Supply List
- Backpacks (large enough for 10×12 folders)
- Reusable water bottles
- Pencil pouches and pencil boxes
- Crayons
- Glue sticks
- Pocket folders with prongs in middle
- Primary and regular composition notebooks
- No.2 pencils
- Fine-tip dry erase markers
- Highlighters
- White index cards
- Post-it notes
- Copy paper and notebook paper
- Child scissors
- Individual size 100% juice boxes.
- Individual size shelf-stable milk boxes.
- Healthy snacks, such as cereal bars, granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter
crackers. - Individual breakfast items, such as oatmeal and grits.
- Canned proteins, such as of tuna, chicken, beans, pasta with meatballs, and
soups or stews. - Canned vegetables and fruit.
- Packaged noodle dishes, such as Easy Mac or ramen Noodles.
- Headphones
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes
- Tissue boxes
- Clorox wipes
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
Drop off locations
Porch Drop Off:
4300 Mosaic Court
Apex, NC 27539
Beneficiaries
At the heart of Optimist International is a simple but powerful mission: to bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves. As Optimist Farm of Raleigh, this supply drive is one of the most tangible ways we live that mission—by meeting real needs in our local schools and youth organizations and helping kids show up ready to learn, grow, and thrive.
This drive was created in response to direct needs we’re seeing across our community—schools that are growing, programs that are stretched, and children who benefit from a little extra support to start each day. Every item collected goes straight back into strengthening the places where local kids spend their time learning, playing, and being cared for.
Together, this supply drive reflects what Optimist International stands for: “Friend of Youth.” It’s about showing up in practical ways, strengthening our community, and helping every child we reach have the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
Hilltop Needmore Elementary
A brand-new school serving families in our immediate area, Hilltop Needmore is still building out essential classroom supplies as it grows. Because it is so new, many classrooms are working to get fully stocked with basic learning materials so teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. Supporting them now helps set the foundation for long-term success in our shared community.
West Lake Elementary (Wake County Schools)
As part of our local school district, West Lake serves many of the same families who visit and support Optimist Farm. When schools are close to home, the impact becomes personal—these are the children we see every day in our neighborhoods, sports fields, and community spaces. Supplying West Lake helps ensure that students right here in our area have what they need to succeed in the classroom.
Boys & Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw
This organization provides safe housing, structure, education support, and emotional care for children who cannot remain in their home environments. Their mission goes far beyond basic needs—they work to restore stability, confidence, and opportunity for every child in their care. Our support helps provide everyday essentials that make their home feel more supported and fully equipped.
Backpack Buddies (Weekend Food Support Program)
Backpack Buddies helps address weekend food insecurity by sending home easy-to-prepare, kid-friendly meals with students who may not have consistent access to food when school is not in session. For many children, these bags bridge the gap between Friday afternoon and Monday morning, ensuring they return to school nourished and ready to learn.
Other Youth Organizations (Remaining Supplies)
Any remaining donations will be distributed to additional youth-serving programs in our region. This ensures nothing goes to waste and allows us to respond flexibly to the greatest needs—whether that’s classrooms, after-school programs, or community support organizations working directly with children.
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Spreading Optimism.
Changing Lives.