Jewish Family and Children’s Service is collecting backpacks, school supplies and hygiene items for Arizona foster youth ages 14 to 21. The drive runs through Aug. 10.

Foster teens only receive $100 annually for expenses, according to the non-profit.

“Sometimes the only difference between an A student and a failing student is having basic supplies to do homework and participate in class,” said Mary Schraven, Jewish Family and Children’s Service system of care director, in a press release. “For example, Isabella, a JFCS youth participant, received a backpack filled with supplies last year. She just graduated from Gilbert High School and has been accepted to Northern Arizona University with her tuition paid for entirely on grants and scholarships! That’s why this drive is so important — we help these kids to have a brighter future. We don’t give up on them.”

Jewish Family and Children’s Service is asking for donations of backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, socks, clothing, grocery gift cards and movie tickets.

Monetary donations can be made here. Donation drop-off locations can be found here.

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