AFC + ASF Back to School Supply Drive

 

Join us this August for the First Ever Ashland Food Co-op + Ashland Schools Foundation Back-to-School Supply Drive! We are looking for donations of new or gently used supplies to bolster learning and skill building opportunities for local scholars and creatives. The Co-op Community Classroom is proud to host this shopping event for our community! 

 

How does the supply drive work? In the allotted days leading up to the event, please drop your new or gently used items off between the hours of 9am and 5pm, a volunteer will be there to receive your items and ensure their quality before accepting. 

How does “shopping” work? The Classroom will be open to the community for two days, and much like a clothing swap, feel free to grab anything you want or need with no purchase! We highly recommend that parents and students bring their provided supply lists to stock up before the school year begins. This event will also feature opportunities for monetary donations directly to the foundation! 

 

Supply donations will only be accepted at the Co-op Community Classroom (300 N Pioneer St) between the dates of *Sunday, August 9th from 9am-5pm through Wednesday, August 12th from 9am-5pm 

*No donations will be accepted before or after these times. 

 

The public will be welcome to “shop” these donations at the Co-op Community Classroom (300 N Pioneer St) on **Friday, August 15th from 4pm-7pm and Saturday, August 16th from 10am-4pm

**This event is open to all, no Co-op Ownership or purchase necessary!

 

Please reference DONATION GUIDELINES below,

✅ ACCEPTED

Writing & Paper

  • Pens, pencils (wood or mechanical), highlighters, dry-erase/whiteboard markers
  • Erasers, pencil sharpeners
  • Notebooks, composition books, loose-leaf paper, sticky notes, index cards
  • Folders, binders (all sizes), binder dividers, report covers
  • Graph paper
  • Copy paper

Art Supplies

  • New crayons, markers, colored pencils
  • New or mostly full paints (tempera, watercolor)
  • New or gently used paintbrushes
  • Sketchpads, Construction paper

Organization & Carry

  • Backpacks (clean, functional zippers/straps)
  • Pencil cases/pouches
  • Lunch boxes/bags (clean, no odor)
  • Plastic storage containers will be assessed and accepted based on response

Classroom & Study Tools

  • Working Calculators (basic and scientific)
  • Rulers, protractors, compasses
  • Scissors (student and teacher pairs)
  • Glue sticks and glue bottles (unopened or mostly full, not dried out)
  • Tape, staplers, staples, paper clips, binder clips
  • Whiteboards (personal-size), whiteboard erasers

Hygiene/Comfort Items *New + Packaged Only*

  • Tissues
  • Hand Sanitizer

🚫 NOT ACCEPTED

  • Clothing (bring it to the HUB at 1618 Ashland St instead!)
  • Books (bring them to the Book Exchange at 90 N Pioneer St or Goodwill at 777 Jefferson St instead!)
  • Musical Instruments 
  • Broken or missing-piece items: scissors that don't cut, calculators that don't turn on, zippers that don't close
  • Dried-out or leaking supplies: dead markers, dried glue, crusty paint
  • Crumpled, used or stained paper
  • Items with writing/names/personal info already on them
  • Sharp items or cutting tools other than standard scissors
  • Furniture 
  • Food
  • Craft-specific supplies: yarn, beads, fabric, glitter 
  • Technology: computers, tablets, headphones

 

We can't wait to see you there!

For more info about the Ashland Schools Foundation, visit www.ashlandschoolsfoundation.org

More Co-op News

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month, first celebrated in 1990, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures equal opportunities in all areas of public life. Disability Pride Month promotes visibility and mainstream awareness of the positive pride felt by people with disabilities.

July Change for Good Partner: Peace House

Meet our July Change for Good partner - Peace House! This incredible organization has been a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to building a culture of peace through compassionate actions that support human rights and justice for all.

About Peace House

Peace House has a broad and impactful mission. Their work spans several critical areas, including:

Co-op, Community and Coffee

We are thrilled to announce that the Ashland Food Co-op has purchased the Rogue Valley Roasting Company (RoCo) from longtime owner, Dustin Way.

A Closer Look at Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festivities and delicious Mexican cuisine (and who doesn’t love both of those things?). At the Ashland Food Co-op, it's important for us to approach this celebration mindfully and with a cultural understanding.

March Change for Good: KS Wild

As we step into March, we are thrilled to introduce our Change for Good partner – KS Wild, an organization dedicated to preserving the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Oregon. At the heart of our community lies a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making KS Wild the perfect ally in our ongoing quest for positive change.

What is KS Wild?

February Change for Good Partner: Rogue Climate

As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, it becomes increasingly vital to support organizations dedicated to creating positive environmental impacts. This February, Ashland Food Co-op proudly introduces Rogue Climate as its Change for Good partner. Join us in supporting their mission to empower Southern Oregon communities most affected by climate change.

January Change for Good: AHS Culinary Arts Program

Hey Co-op community!

As we step into the new year, the Ashland Food Co-op is excited to continue our Change for Good program, and for January 2024, we're shining a spotlight on a program that's close to our hearts (and our stomachs) - the Ashland High School Culinary Arts Program.

November Change for Good: Rogue Food Unites

Say hello to our November Change for Good partner - Rogue Food Unites!

Rogue Food Unites (RFU) uses food to heal individuals and communities during times of crisis. RFU was formed in 2020 out of the dual disasters of the Almeda and Obenchain fires and the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities. Within a short time, RFU began contracting with the State of Oregon to supply hot meals, food boxes, and solidarity cards in Deschutes, Douglas, Klamath, Josephine, and Jackson Counties. 

Meet Nick Hardee, AFC's new GM!

The Co-op Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to welcome Nick Hardee as the new General Manager of the Ashland Food Co-op! We asked Nick to share a little bit about himself so we'll get right to it!