The 2026 Gear Up and Glow Back to School Drive
Too many students show up to the first day of school without what they need. A backpack is not just a backpack. A notebook is not just a notebook. When a child walks in equipped, they walk in with their head up — confident, present, and ready to learn.
AsToldByPhi's Gear Up and Glow Back to School Drive is our second annual initiative to close the resource gap between New York City students and the supplies they need to succeed. This year our goal is 280 fully stocked backpacks distributed to students K–12 across New York City before the first day of school on September 7th, 2026.
We are collecting school supplies, hygiene products, and wellness items from June 26th through August 31st. Everything gets packed into backpacks organized by grade band — elementary, middle, and high school — and distributed at two community-centered events in Harlem and Brooklyn in early September.
Every dollar donated goes directly toward a student who needs it.
Can't donate right now?Shop our Amazon Wishlist and have supplies shipped directly to us — every item goes straight into a backpack.Amazon Wishlist: Here
Want to collaborate?Brands, organizations, and community members — we want you involved. Sign up below and our team will be in touch.
Collaborate/Volunteer: Here
For any other inquiries, reach us at gearupnglowatbp@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @astoldbyphi.
$0 raised
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Amount
A 12-pack of spiral notebooks or 50 folders across several backpacks
$20
Ballpoint pens for 20% of the drive
$35
Travel-size hygiene products for 25% of K-12 students
$45
Backpacks for a whole classroom
$65
First Aid Kits for 20% of the drive and earns recognition across all AsToldByPhi platforms and materials
$100
Folders for the entire drive and earns recognition across all AsToldByPhi platforms and materials
$250
Glow Sponsor — covers major supply orders and earns recognition across all AsToldByPhi platforms and materials
$500
Covers the cost of 10% of the entire drive and earns recognition across all AsToldByPhi platforms and materials as a Platinum donator
$1,000
Other
0/100
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