Back to School

Around one in six children in Australia live in poverty¹. These students generally have poorer education outcomes, and recently published research shows children living in poverty also experience more social exclusion at school than peers living in more advantage².

A backpack, for example, may seem like a simple school supply, but a backpack donation to a kid living in poverty will inspire confidence and prompt a feeling of belonging with their peers. 

The things most requested by families of children in need heading back to school include:

• Backpacks and schoolbags
• School uniforms
• Booklists, textbooks, educational books, stationery and other back to school supplies
• School shoes
• Lunchboxes, lunch bags and drink bottles
• Laptops and tablets

Your generous back to school donation will support schools or charities that empower children’s education.  

The best way to donate school supplies to help kids in need is through GIVIT. Check the what's needed list above to see exactly what's needed by charities and schools supporting children. 

If you don't see a request for the item you have to donate, you can list it in our Online Warehouse. Once your item has been offered, our 4,500 registered organisations will be able to see your generous donation, and you'll receive an email if it's required.

In addition to helping children in need with back to school supplies, GIVIT's Ready to Learn appeal also supports adults experiencing disadvantage with the things they need to further their education and improve their lives. 

Often these are items such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones so that learning and courses can be undertaken remotely. You may also see requests for people to volunteer their time and expertise as tutors or teachers. 

There is extensive research showing that higher levels of education result in better job opportunities, improved health outcomes, social and emotional wellbeing, and higher levels of social and civic engagement. 

Stories like Luanne's are proof of the impact a simple donation such as a laptop can have on someone's life.

GIVIT accepts donations of new and old school uniforms in our online warehouse. Review the "What's Needed" list above to find school uniforms donations needed by charities and schools supporting children and their education. 

If your donation item isn’t listed, you can add it to our online warehouse. After posting, your generous offer will become visible to our network of 4,800 registered organisations. If your item matches a need, you'll be notified via email. 

You can donate old stationery to kids in need via GIVIT! By donating old stationery to GIVIT, you’re giving old donations a new life with a child who deserves an education. Discover what stationery is needed by organisations across Australia.

Any stationery item used in school and not listed on our prohibited items can be donated via GIVIT for back to school. These stationery items include  

• Pens, pencils, markers 
• Notebooks, sticky notes 
• Nulers, protractors 
• Nrasers, sharpeners
• Binders, folders 
• Calculators 

Start by confirming whether an organisation near you requires book donations. Visit the "What's Needed" page to check for requests from groups in your area, such as those near Brisbane, seeking old book donations. 

Here’s how to find a matching request from a charity for your donation: 

1. Use the location filter to identify organisations near suburbs in cities like Sydney or Melbourne that need books for school. 
2. Fill out the online form to offer your donation. 
3. Once submitted, you’ll connect directly with the requesting organisation to arrange delivery. 

If no local requests for school books are listed on the "What's Needed" page, you can submit your donation through the online warehouse form. This means your donation will be seen by over 4,800 registered support organisations, who can contact you if they need your donation. 

Please remember when dropping off your item, ensure it is handed directly to a representative at the charity. Avoid leaving donations outside unattended to prevent damage or theft.