Opportunities Supporting Students in the Issaquah School District
Back to School Donation and Volunteer Opportunities for Fall 2026
Friends of Youth: Our Back-to-School Drive is officially here!
Help us set local youth up for a successful school year by supporting a Friends of Youth client with much-needed school supplies. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference. We will be accepting school supply donations at the Redmond Town Center from July 6 through August 3. You can also shop our Amazon Wish List here
Issaquah Schools Foundation: Tools 4 School
Education is a fundamental right, but not all students have equal access to the tools that make learning possible. To ensure cost is never a barrier to students starting the year with the supplies they need, we are working with the Issaquah School District to distribute new backpack and school supply kits at the Issaquah School District Back to School Resource Fair in August, where families can access many resources beyond just school supplies. In 2024, almost 500 families with 900 students attended the first Resource Fair. With your help, we’ll help level the playing field, allowing students to focus on what truly matters: learning and growing.
KidVantage: Pencils & Pants Supplies for Back-To-School Success!
See our website for school supplies and clothing items that local children may need most for back-to-school success. You can bring your donations to one of the KidVantage Hubs or to one of our upcoming Van Visits! Van Visits Coming to YOU! As a part of our back-to-school drives, we’re hosting Van Visits! That’s right, we may be coming to a place near you! Join us at…
Issaquah Commons on Thursday, August 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Redmond City Hall on Tuesday, August 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
KidsQuest Museum in Bellevue on Thursday August 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friends of Echo Glen: A Fresh Start Begins with Something as Simple as Clothes That Fit
Echo Glen youth wear uniforms while at Echo but imagine your child returning to school after six months—or even a year—away. They've grown, nothing fits, and their family can't afford a new wardrobe. Some youth leave Echo Glen with only the clothes they're wearing as they move into a foster home, group home, or back to their family. A few well-fitting outfits can make all the difference, helping a young person begin their next chapter with confidence and dignity. You can help by purchasing items from the Amazon Wish List or by donating clean gently used clothing. MORE DETAILS HERE
Treehouse: Backpacks, Not Barriers
A backpack is more than a school supply. It's a symbol of confidence, belonging, and a student's reminder that they're ready for the year ahead. When young people have the essentials they need, they're better able to show up, stay engaged, and succeed in school. From our Amazon Wish List, you can purchase new supplies that will ship directly to the Treehouse Store. One backpack, first-day outfit or pack of pencils can make a student feel prepared and supported. Together, we can remove barriers and create opportunities for success - one backpack at a time.
The Garage is a non-profit drop-in space exclusively for high school teens. We're a safe space for teens to come hang out with friends, grab a cup of coffee and a snack, play a game, play music, watch TV, talk over homework, and much more! All events, activities, food, and drinks at The Garage are free of charge. Our teens develop and produce all events and activities that happen at the Garage under guidance and support from staff. In addition, students have access to a professional mental health counselor, free-of-charge.
Friends of Echo Glen is a 100% volunteer community that exists with the sole purpose of helping the youth at Echo Glen Juvenile Detention Center to rewrite the scripts of their lives. These teens have immense untapped potential. We help them gain self-esteem by providing essential building blocks for healthy development thus breaking the cycle of neglect and abuse.
Field Day Aug 19, 2026 Echo staff have asked us to help create the first campus-wide Field Day since before COVID. This special afternoon will give youth from different cottages (living units) the opportunity to come together, laugh, build positive connections, and simply enjoy being kids. We’re planning an unforgettable afternoon filled with fun, including: - Petting zoo, Obstacle courses
Water balloon activities, Outdoor games and challenges, Dunk tank, …and lots more surprises! This is a chance to create joyful memories and give Echo youth an experience they may not often have—an afternoon focused on fun, teamwork, and celebrationVolunteer Orientation - Sign up HERE Echo Glen staff host volunteer orientations on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM, held on site at Echo Glen. During this 90-minute orientation, staff will: - Share expectations and guidelines for working with residents - Explain volunteer opportunities - Answer all your questions. Requirements: Volunteers must be 21 years or older. We are always in need of caring, positive adult role models to support the many activities we hope to offer, and we’re so grateful you’re considering getting involved. All who RSVP will receive a confirmation email with directions and details the day prior to the orientation. Questions? Email info@echoglen
GIVE CANINE STAFF SUNDAYS OFF! Can you come 2 to 4 Sundays each month to feed, and play with pups? Could use several volunteers to cover 3 times every Sunday! Timing: • Between 9~10:30 AM - separate pups into their own kennels, feed, pick up poop, then put back to the community yard. Usually takes about one hour plus whatever time you want for puppy play time. • Between 1~3 PM - separate pups and feed and put back to community yard - about 30 minutes plus any desired puppy playtime. • About 6 PM - separate pups into kennels, feed them and pick up poop so they don’t step in it. Again about 30 minutes plus desired puppy play time.
Wish List: Help the staff to keep the residents mentally active. New & nearly new items demonstrate to the kids that the community truly does care & value them. Thank you for your amazing generosity!
Career Panels – Those who have overcome felony charges or addictions are the ultimate inspiration. The goal of these panels is to allow the students to learn about various careers & companies so they can begin to visualize their ideal future careers. Help the youth re-write the script of their lives Every January, June and October. Come inspire the students towards a new career – youth are asking to hear about careers with Starbucks & about becoming MRI & radiologist technicians. Youth’s preference is for POC. Do you know anyone who may be willing to present? Please share the need.
Community Service Socials Thursday, September 10 | 6:00–8:00 PM Join us as youth decorate canvas bags and write encouraging cards for our neighbors experiencing homelessness through REACH Ministries. Together, we'll remind people in our community that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten—while giving Echo youth the joy of making a difference in someone else's life. Our youth love these socials because they get to discover they have something valuable to give—finding empathy, hope, and purpose themselves as they lift up others. First-time visitors are also welcome. SIGN UP HERE
Tutors Needed: Can you give support to a student anytime during the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM? IMMEDIATE NEED: Help with 5th and 6th grade Basic Math, Wednesdays anytime between 1:00 & 4:00 PM. ON-GOING: Add your name to the school's list of volunteers willing to tutor throughout the year as students ask for additional help.
Donate a store-bought cake so a youth to celebrate their birthday with their cottage mates. You'll be demonstrating that the community cares and sometimes the cakes we bring are the first they've ever received. With 14 birthdays in June alone, the kitchen staff can't keep up with making all the needed cakes. Questions? email info@echoglen.org
GAME BOARD CLUB - Can you invest a couple hours two-times a month on weekends playing board games with the youth? Looking for a total of 16+ individuals!.
COOKING - Residents LOVE to cook with volunteers! Sixteen+ individuals are needed to share simple cooking recipes with all the youth twice a month. Volunteer with your friends, or we can partner you with 2 others. Day and time are flexible to accommodate your schedule. Volunteers must be over 21 yrs old. Email info@echoglen.org for more details.
Choir - Staff wants to start a choir but needs help from volunteers who have experience leading one. Email info@echoglen.org for more information.
Guitar Club - Volunteers needed to help students practice what they have learned. Email info@echoglen.org for more information.
VOICE mentors needed !
Mentoring differs from tutoring in that mentoring focuses on fostering positive, supportive relationships which help students develop skills and attitudes (such as resilience, self-advocacy, self-confidence, etc.) to promote academic achievement and success in life. Here is a youtube video that the district put together of current mentors talking about their mentoring experience.
Our mission is to enhance the lives of children who have disabilities and special needs and the high school athletes who mentor them. We believe that modeling acceptance, inclusion, and respect of all individuals transforms and strengthens our communities.
The Issaquah Schools Foundation, in partnership with the Issaquah School District, drives resources to help all students achieve the promise of their potential.