“We see it every year at club. A kiddo who wasn’t able to start the school year with new shoes or a warm jacket. It can be the difference from feeling embarrassed to feeling taken care of. I am proud to be part of filling the gap for these kids.”
-Boys & Girls Club Sonoma Marin Team Member
When Mateo walked into the Club last August, he was nervous about the school year ahead—not because of tests or teachers, but because he didn’t have the supplies he needed to keep up. His family had been through a tough year, and school supplies simply weren’t in the budget.
Thankfully, when he showed up to the Club after school, he found everything he needed to finish his homework—pencils, paper, a quiet space, and caring staff who believed in him.
And once the work was done? He got to be a kid again—playing games, running outside, and building friendships that made the year feel a little lighter.
That boost of confidence and connection helped him walk into school the next day prepared, proud, and ready to thrive.
This fall, hundreds of kids like Mateo will rely on the Club not just for support—but for school success and stress-free play.
2 Ways to Make a Difference:
Your donation helps us stock our Clubs with exactly what kids need to succeed—from crayons and paper for homework to new shoes or a sweatshirt for kids in needs. Every $50 helps one child start the school year with confidence, connection, and joy.
Prefer to shop directly? Choose from our carefully curated list of items and have them shipped straight to the Club.
1 in 5 kids reports feeling embarrassed or anxious when they don’t have the same school supplies as their peers.
Students who start the year with all the required supplies are 30% more likely to participate in class and engage with teachers and peers.
Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and supported. With your help, we can remove barriers for kids like Mateo by making sure our Clubs are stocked with the supplies they need—from pencils and paper to balls and cones. Whether you give a little or a lot, your support goes directly to creating spaces where kids can learn, grow, and just be kids. Let’s make back-to-school season something every child can look forward to—at the Club and beyond.