Drive for Supplies 

The Drive for Supplies, a dynamic and impactful initiative, represents a strong and enduring partnership between Learn Shop, Inc., and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Conceived in 1999 by the visionary founders of Wheaton, MD-based nonprofit Learn Shop, Inc., Rev. Kevin and Louise Newcomer, the program has experienced remarkable growth year after year. Demonstrating its significant impact, MCPS students have collectively gathered over 102 tons of valuable reusable school and office supplies since 2002.

More than just a collection effort, the Drive for Supplies empowers students and staff to become active contributors to their schools and local communities through the simple act of donating their gently used school materials. Furthermore, the program serves as a practical lesson in environmental stewardship, highlighting the importance of recycling and waste reduction.

Adding another layer of engagement, students from various MCPS schools actively participate in sorting the donated supplies and preparing them for distribution to those in need. This hands-on involvement allows them to put the principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle" into practice while simultaneously earning valuable student service learning (SSL) hours, contributing towards their graduation requirements.

Summer 2025 Program

Montgomery County Public Schools is excited to host this program again this year.  Every school is encouraged to participate and students may RSVP to volunteer. Below is a timeline of events to include all actions and appropriate forms.

School Timeline

Student Timeline

The Drive for Supplies campaign is looking for student volunteers to support this program by helping to unpack and sort donated supplies and to repackage them for community distribution.  This year the repackaged supplies will be distributed to MCPS residents in need.
Middle and High school students will need to commit to 4 days to earn 20-25 SSL hours:

• Monday, July 21 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (unpack, sort, and repackage; 5 SSL hours)
• Tuesday, July 22 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (unpack, sort, and repackage; 5 SSL hours)
• Wednesday, July 23 from 9:00 AM  - 2:00 PM (unpack, sort, and repackage; 5 SSL hours)
• Thursday, July 24 from 9:00 AM  - 2:00 PM (support the "Drive For Supplies Store" WHILE SUPPLIES LAST and repackage supplies IF NEEDED- 5 SSL hours)

***Students are responsible for their own transportation and should bring their own water, water bottle, and lunch each day.