As the school year begins, thousands of students are heading to class with new backpacks and school supplies — thanks to the partnership between The Salvation Army and TL-MODA. 

In June, TL-MODA and Salvation Army staff joined volunteers at a Walmart fulfillment center in Dallas to pack 16,900 backpacks, fully funded by Toyota. Of those, 11,500 were distributed at TL-MODA dealerships in partnership with local Salvation Army units, while 5,400 went to TL-MODA dealerships and Toyota plant locations to support local schools and community organizations.  

Each backpack was filled with grade-appropriate school supplies — and 6,900 distributed at TL-MODA dealership events also included a Walmart gift card to help families with additional needs.  

With an estimated 25 percent of students — roughly 16 million — lacking access to essential school supplies, this initiative helps ensure children start the school year confident, prepared, and supported.

Since 2020, Toyota has contributed over $2.4 million to The Salvation Army, evolving from pandemic response to long-term community investment. This year’s effort brings the total number of backpacks distributed since 2024 to over 21,300.  

Together, TL-MODA and The Salvation Army are helping students thrive and families focus limited resources on food, housing, and other essentials.

Here are items your local Salvation Army might be gathering for schools in your community.

School Supplies:

1. Notebooks and Journals
2. Pencils, Pens, and Markers
3. Crayons and Colored Pencils
4. Binders and Folders
5. Erasers and Sharpener
6. Rulers and Calculators
7. Glue Sticks and Scissors
8. Loose-leaf Paper
9. Highlighters and Post-It Notes
10. Pencil Cases or Pouches
11. Index Cards
12. Diapers
13. Headphones

Personal Care Items:

1. Hand Sanitizers
2. Face Masks
3. Antibacterial Wipes
4. Toiletries (Shampoo, Soap, etc.)

Contact your local Salvation Army about back-to-school drives.