At Red Canoe Credit Union, we believe that strong communities start with confident students, and confident students need the tools to thrive. That’s why every summer we proudly host our Fill the Canoe Back to School Drive. In the 18 consecutive years we've hosted this supply drive, it's become more than just collecting backpacks and pencils. It's a way to uplift students and families, help empower them through education, and show up for the communities we serve.
What is Fill the Canoe
Fill the Canoe began in 2007 as a way to support local students in need as they prepared to head back to school. Over the years, it’s grown into a powerful, community-wide effort to ensure that every child starts the school year with confidence.
Here's how it works: We set up canoes in all of our branches and have drop-off locations with community partners as well. Anyone is welcome to bring new, unused school supplies like notebooks, crayons, calculators, backpacks, and more into a Red Canoe branch or one of our partner locations. You can also donate online or at the teller line, whichever is more convenient for you. The best part of donating? Red Canoe matches pound-for-pound, or dollar-for-dollar donated. That means every donation goes twice as far!
Impact Over the Years
Fill the Canoe has made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of students. Since its launch in 2007, community members have donated more than 250,000 pounds of school supplies, benefiting local school districts and nonprofit partners across the region. In 2024 alone, we raised $72,589 for schools and our partners to purchase additional supplies throughout the year.
More than just numbers, the impact is felt in every thank-you note from a grateful teacher, every smile from a child who feels ready for the first day of class, and every parent who knows their child won’t have to go without.
As one of Fill the Canoe's major leaders said, “My favorite part of Fill the Canoe is seeing the impact firsthand, especially when kids light up choosing their own backpack. Whether it's Paw Patrol or a plain black backpack, every student leaves feeling prepared and proud. I'm grateful Fill the Canoe helps bring a sense of stability and readiness to their school year."
These stories remind us that this campaign isn’t just about notebooks and rulers, but about dignity, inclusion, and giving every student the opportunity to succeed.
How to Get Involved
This year’s Fill the Canoe drive runs from July 28 to August 15, 2025, and there are many ways you can help make a difference.
You can drop off new school supplies at any Red Canoe branch, where you’ll find our actual red canoes ready to be filled with supplies. If you don't want to go shopping, you can donate cash at the teller line. Prefer to give from home? Visit our website to explore online donation options.
Join us. Make a difference. Help us fill every desk with confidence.
Why It Matters
At Red Canoe, we’re deeply committed to building stronger communities. Not just for today, but for generations to come. Fill the Canoe is a reflection of that commitment, showing how small acts of generosity can create lasting impact. A single pencil might not seem like much, but for a child starting school, it can mean confidence. A new backpack can mean pride. And a box of crayons can be the first step toward dreaming big. Fill the Canoe has grown to provide school-readiness for students who need it most.
Together, we can give every child the tools to dream big, learn boldly, and start the school year strong. So let’s keep Fill the Canoe moving forward one supply and one student at a time.