United Way of Greater Nashua’s Annual School Supply Drive
United Way Launches Annual School Supply Drive to Support Local Students and Educators
Collection Days at Staples: Saturdays and Sundays – August 2, 3, 9, and 10 in Nashua and Amherst
Nashua – United Way of Greater Nashua is once again partnering with the Teachers and Paws Project for its annual Rod Hansen Memorial School Supply Drive, benefiting the Rod Hansen / TAPP School Supply Pantry. The pantry, located at United Way’s office at 20 Broad Street in Nashua, supports local educators by providing free classroom supplies for students in need across the Greater Nashua area.
This community-wide drive invites residents to donate new school supplies—items like backpacks, notebooks, glue sticks, and headphones—at collection tables outside both Staples stores in Nashua and Amherst. Volunteers will be on-site to receive donations, thank donors, and ensure items are sorted and ready for distribution to teachers before the school year begins.
For many of us, back-to-school season meant freshly sharpened pencils, the scent of new notebooks, and excitement (or nerves) about seeing friends and teachers again. But for hundreds of local families, that experience is overshadowed by the stress of not being able to afford even the most basic supplies. This drive is about more than pencils and paper—it’s about making sure every child starts school with dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Why It Matters
In the Greater Nashua region, over 30% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need. Teachers often dip into their own pockets to make sure their students have what they need. The School Supply Pantry helps ease that burden—last year alone, it served over 500 educators and more than 2,000 students.
What’s Needed
Donations of the following items are especially appreciated:
- Backpacks
- Colored pencils, markers, Sharpies, and chalk
- Lined and construction paper, composition notebooks
- Scissors, erasers, glue sticks, and school glue
- Tape, staplers, pencil cases, and Post-it notes
- Small hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes
- Headphones, webcams, computer mice, and calculators
When and Where to Donate
Staples Collection Days:
- Saturdays and Sundays – August 2, 3, 9, and 10
- 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Staples locations in Nashua and Amherst
Drop-Off at United Way Office:
- 20 Broad Street, Nashua
- Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Donations accepted all summer, through the start of the school year
Host a Company or Group Drive:
Businesses and community groups are encouraged to hold their own internal drives over the summer. Supplies collected can be dropped off at United Way any time during business hours before school starts.
Shop Online:
Prefer to give from home? Visit our wish list and ship directly to United Way:
https://tinyurl.com/UWGNSchoolSupply
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers to help collect donations and greet community members during the collection days at Staples.
Shifts are available from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Sign up here: https://www.volunteergreaternashua.org/need/detail/?need_id=1110401
Or contact us at info@unitedwaynashua.org for more information.
Questions?
Email info@unitedwaynashua.org or call (603) 882-4011.
Let’s come together to give every student the chance to walk through the classroom doors this fall ready to learn—with a backpack full of possibility.
United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 510(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at, info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.
