Back to School Drive & Distribution Event

On August 1st, we held our 2026 COTS Back to School Bonanza. 

Read about the 2026 Back to School Bonanza

What is the Back to School Bonanza?

The COTS Back to School Bonanza is a free kid-centric community event where any Vermont student in need can come get ready for a successful school year in a dignified, stress-free, and fun environment. The goal is to foster confidence through picking out school supplies and a backpack, choosing first day of school outfits, getting a haircut, and so much more. It is set up like a carnival so that students can have fun while they get ready for a successful school year!

History of COTS Back to School Bonanza:

In one night in 2026,
667 people experiencing homelessness
were children.

-2026 PIT Count

Children are often the unseen faces of homelessness, but they make up a large portion of people experiencing homelessness. In the 2022–2023 school year, 1,620 students enrolled in Vermont public schools were identified as experiencing homelessness (State of Vermont Agency of Education, EHCY Program). On a single night in January 2025, 3,386 Vermonters were identified as experiencing homelessness, including 633 children (2025 Point-in-Time Count).

In 2015, COTS started the Back to School Drive to bring awareness to the children in our community experiencing homelessness, and to help them get the supplies they need to be successful in school. Each year since, the community helps us fill hundreds of backpacks with thousands of school supplies for us to distribute to families in shelters, motels, and to our nonprofit partners in the community who directly serve children.

In 2022 we wanted to serve students who are not necessarily connected to a service provider. We wanted to set them up for a successful year, both physically and emotionally. We wanted to maintain dignity. At a time in some of their lives where there isn’t a lot of choice, our goal was to let students be able to choose their own school supplies, pick out some clothing that starts them off on the right foot, and get haircuts to alleviate some of those first day jitters. The Back to School Bonanza was born. A free community event where any Vermont students, grades K-12, who are in need can come de-stress and have fun while they pick out school supplies and a backpack as well as first day of school outfits.

For the fifth year running, we welcomed 575 family members from across our community! With your help, we were able to provide 362 students with new backpacks, school supplies, and first day of school clothing in an awesome, welcoming environment. This event creates a fun and dignified experience where families can receive high quality supplies, access valuable resources, make meaningful connections, and enjoy a stress-free day together as they prepare for the new school year.

Sponsors: