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Help Local Students Start the School Year Strong: School Dressing Days

Every child should walk into the classroom confident and ready to learn.

By Jenny Sites May 20, 2026

As families across the Fredericksburg region prepare for the back-to-school season, one local organization is ensuring every child has what they need to walk into the classroom feeling confident and ready to learn.

The Interfaith Community Council of Fredericksburg is proud to host School Dressing Days 2026, an annual event providing free clothing and school supplies to eligible students in Head Start through 12th grade.

School Dressing Days Event Details

📅 Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Families who qualify can “shop” for free, selecting clothing and supplies that fit their child’s needs—helping students head back to school with dignity and excitement.

How To “Shop” for your child at School Dressing Days

School Dressing Days is designed to feel like a shopping experience, allowing families to choose items their children will actually use and love.

Students may receive essentials like:

  • New or gently used school clothing
  • Shoes
  • Backpacks
  • School supplies
  • Other back-to-school necessities

👉 School Dressing Days Information, eligibility & Registration

School Dressing Days July 2026 Flyer English
School Dressing Days July 2026 Flyer Spanish

How Can You Help? 

Donate:

This event depends on generous community support—and there are several ways you can help!

The ICC welcomes donations such as:

  • New socks and underwear
  • New children’s clothing (sizes Head Start–12th grade)
  • New shoes
  • Gently Used Children's Coats and Teen hoodies or jackets
  • New Backpacks
  • Hygiene products

Click HERE for the full list of donation drop-off details and deadlines.

Monetary donations help organizers purchase needed items and fill supply gaps. Mail your monetary donation to: 

Interfaith Community Council

PO Box 1336

Fredericksburg, VA   22402

 The Interfaith Community Council is a 501(c)(3) non profit 

Volunteer:

School Dressing Days needs volunteers to:

  • Sort donations
  • Organize shopping areas
  • Help families find sizes and supplies
  • Assist with event setup and cleanup
On Thursday, July 23 we will be setting up everything in the morning, and people of all ages are welcome to volunteer.  
On Friday and Sat, July 24-25, the event days, we request all volunteers be 16 and older, and wear a yellow shirt on these days to help the volunteers stand out from the clients.    

Sign up to volunteer: Https://tinyurl.com/2026sddVolunteer

Whether you can spare an hour or a full day, your time can make a huge difference.  Contact Marcia Ransom at schooldressingdays@gmail.com to volunteer


clothing hanging in closet

For many local families, back-to-school shopping can be a major financial strain. School Dressing Days help relieve that burden while ensuring every child can start the year prepared, confident, and proud.

If you’re able to donate, volunteer, or spread the word, you’ll be helping students across the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford area begin the school year with the support they deserve.

Together, our community can make back-to-school season brighter for everyone.



Find additional local Donation and Volunteer Opportunities in our Guides.