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Back to School 2026

Across Hawaiʻi, Salvation Army corps community centers are accepting school supply donations and assistance applications for families in need.

Hawaiʻi School Supply Drives 2026

Back-to-school season should feel like a fresh start, not a financial strain. Across Hawaiʻi, The Salvation Army is teaming up with the community through two hands-on programs that help make sure every keiki walks into class ready to learn.

Stuff the Bus

Drop an extra notebook, folder, or box of crayons into Salvation Army collection bins at select Walmart stores statewide this July — no extra stop required.

Adopt a Backpack — Maui

For nine years, Kahului Corps and Maui Federal Credit Union have rallied local businesses to stock backpacks and supplies for Maui students, one donation at a time.

Every backpack, binder, and box of crayons goes straight to a family right here in Hawaiʻi. Need a hand covering school supplies this year? Families can apply through their local Salvation Army corps — see eligibility and registration details for your island below.

Jump to Donation Dates & Locations  |  Jump to Apply for Assistance

Volunteers and shoppers collect school supply donations at a Stuff the Bus event at a Honolulu Walmart

A Stuff the Bus donation drive at a Honolulu Walmart.

“Starting off the school year strong is a crucial step not only toward giving a young person a solid foundation, but toward nurturing a lifelong love of learning and hopeful path forward.”

— David Aycock, Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division

School Supply Donation Dates & Locations

Look up “Stuff the Bus” Walmart collection dates and, on Maui, Adopt a Backpack drop-off locations for your island below.

Stuff the Bus — Walmart Collection Boxes

  • Kapolei Walmart (91-600 Farrington Hwy.) — July 10 & 12, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Honolulu Walmart (700 Keʻeaumoku St.) — July 10, 11 & 12, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Stuff the Bus — Walmart Collection Boxes

  • Kahului Walmart (101 Pakaula St.) — July 11, 18 & 25, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Adopt a Backpack — Donation Drop-Off (through July 18)

  • Maui County Federal Credit Union – Kahului Branch (270 Dairy Rd.)
  • Maui County Federal Credit Union – Lahaina Branch (270 Lahainaluna Rd.)
  • Maui County Federal Credit Union – Wailuku Branch (224 Kehalani Village Dr.)
  • Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union – Kahului (140 Hoʻokele St., Unit 230)
  • Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union – Kahului (70 Hoʻokele St., Ste. 1210)

Stuff the Bus — Walmart Collection Boxes

  • Hilo Walmart (325 E Makaʻala St.) — July 24, 25 & 26, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Kailua-Kona Walmart (75-1015 Henry St.) — July 16, 8:00 a.m.–noon

Additional Hilo Corps Drop-Off Locations

  • Hilo Corps (219 Ponahawai St.) — Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • Regal Prince Kūhiō — Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Stuff the Bus — Walmart Collection Boxes

  • Līhuʻe Walmart (3-3300 Kūhiō Hwy.) — July 14 & 15, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

All school supplies collected through the Stuff the Bus campaign will be delivered directly to Wilcox Elementary School by Thursday, July 23.

Apply for School Supply Assistance

Families needing assistance with school supplies can apply through their local Salvation Army corps. Eligibility, registration, and distribution details vary by island — find your corps below.

Registration
Families may register by calling (808) 521-6551, ext. 4325.

Eligibility
Students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Required Documentation

  • Valid photo ID
  • Proof of residency
  • Birth certificate for each child

Contact Information
Dionette Caday
Phone: (808) 521-6551, ext. 4325

School Supply Distribution
Dates: July 27–31  |  Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM  |  Location: Kauluwela Corps

Registration
Families may register by completing an application at the Corps.

Eligibility
Students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Required Documentation

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of children living in the home
  • Proof of income

Contact Information
Major Heather Pope
Phone: (808) 871-6270

School Supply Distribution
Date: July 30  |  Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM  |  Location: Kahului Corps

Registration
Registration is required and closes on July 24.

Eligibility
Students entering or currently enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Required Documentation

  • Parent/guardian photo ID
  • Birth certificate(s) for each child

Contact Information
Captain Felicia LeMar
Phone: (808) 935-1277

School Supply Distribution
Date: Friday, July 31  |  Time: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM  |  Location: Hilo Corps, 219 Ponahawai Street

Eligibility
Supplies will be distributed through Wilcox Elementary School.

Contact Information
Phone: (808) 245-2571