Ruth's Reusable Resources

The Tools for School Backpack program helps students start the school year off ready to learn. Teachers report that when students do not have the supplies they need, they are less likely to participate in class or complete assignments and are more likely to be absent from school. This puts the most vulnerable students at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

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Over the last twenty years, 3Rs has worked with volunteers to fill and distribute nearly 63,000 backpacks in Maine. These backpacks are given to low-income students at no cost to the students or their families. 3Rs works with schools and social workers to identify and reach students who need backpacks. The scope and longevity of our program has resulted in many case workers and schools relying on 3Rs to send their students back to school ready to learn. 

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If you are a social worker/case manager or principal of a member school who would like more information about getting backpacks for your clients or students, please send an email to: teacherstore@ruths.org. 

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PLEASE NOTE:

We take requests from June 1st - July 26th, 2024. Requests received after that date will be placed on a waitlist and filled on a first come, first served basis if there are any extra backpacks available. 

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We do not accept requests directly from parents/guardians. Please contact your child's social worker/case manager or school and ask them to contact us.