Family Giving Tree

a student at one of our backpack distributions carefully selected a dinosaur backpack. a few minutes later, he came back and exchanged it for a pink peppa pig backpack.

his excitement was unmistakable.

the backpack itself wasn't what mattered. what mattered was having the freedom to choose something that felt right for him.

this pride month, we're reflecting on a simple idea: belonging begins when people are free to be themselves. sometimes, that starts with something as small as choosing a backpack.

read the full story at the link in our bio.

body slams. backpacks. building confidence.

Big Time Wrestling is entering the ring again on july 17 to help collect backpacks and school supplies for local students through family giving tree's back-to-school drive.

join them for an unforgettable night of wrestling while helping students head back to school ready to learn.

📍 newark pavilion
📅 july 17, 2026
🕖 7:00 pm

🎟️ get tickets: bigtimewrestling.eventbrite.com (link in bio)

now that's what we call a winning move.

as another school year comes to a close, we’re thinking about the educators who showed up for students day after day.

to the teachers, aides, counselors, librarians, administrators, and school staff helping young people feel seen, supported, and capable — thank you.

thank you for the care, patience, encouragement, and dedication you bring to classrooms every day. the impact you make reaches far beyond the school year.

we’re grateful for all you do for bay area students. 💛

the 2026 backpack build season is well underway, and tbh, it's been perf!

seeing the way people come together in support of their community will always warm our hearts and put smiles on our faces—smiles almost as big as those of the volunteers.

and the gag is, you can join too! visit the link in our bio to learn more about how you can host your very own back-to-school drive, all from your home!

behind every backpack is a community of people showing up for students.

last week, we were joined by some of our amazing back-to-school drive leaders for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and pb&j sandwiches! 💛

we’re so grateful for the people helping bring this work to life, and for the chance to pause, connect, and celebrate the community behind the mission.

do you know our FAV part of backpack build season?

it's posing for photos in our VERY SUBTLE and NOT AT ALL LOUD polo shirts. we actually love them so much...

seriously tho, it's the little moments of joy that come when we least expect them.

Want to make a difference for Bay Area students this school year? 🎒

Becoming a Drive Leader is one of the most impactful ways to support students through our Back-to-School Drive and it’s easier than you might think.

Whether you’re part of a business, school, community group, social club, or simply someone who wants to rally friends and family, you can help collect backpacks, school supplies, or even fundraise through a Virtual Giving Tree.

Every backpack collected helps a student walk into the classroom feeling prepared, included, and confident.

You don’t have to do it alone either. We’ll support you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Register today at fgt.org/drive or head the link in our bio!

🎒💥 Wrestling for a cause!

This July, Big Time Wrestling is stepping into the ring to support Bay Area students through Family Giving Tree’s Back-to-School Drive.

Bring a new, unused backpack (or supplies) to the venue to donate and help local kids head back to school with the supplies—and confidence—they deserve.

📍 Newark, CA
📅 Friday, July 17, 2026
⏰ Bell Time: 7:30 PM

Let’s show Bay Area students what community support looks like!🎒

🎟️ Tickets: bigtimewrestling.eventbrite.com (link in bio)

A backpack carries more than school supplies.

It can carry confidence on the first day of school. A sense of belonging in the classroom. And for many students, the start of a brighter future.

As students across the Bay Area prepare for summer vacation, many families are already looking towards the coming school year, balancing rising costs and making difficult choices.

Together, we can help students start next year feeling prepared, included, and ready to learn.

Learn more at fgt.org. (Link in our bio)

The Bay Area is often seen as a place of opportunity.

But for many families, the rising cost of simply getting by tells a different story.

In Santa Clara County, a family of four with two working parents may need more than $16,700 a month just to cover basic expenses. Meanwhile, the county’s median household income falls thousands of dollars short of that benchmark.

When families are working hard just to meet basic needs, school-related costs can quickly become one more impossible choice.

Every student deserves to start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. That’s why community support matters.

Learn how you can get involved at the link in our bio.

*Sources: MIT Living Wage Calculator and United States Census Bureau. Basic-needs estimate reflects a household with two working adults and two children. Median household income reflects all households in Santa Clara County.*