The Farmington Police Department and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office are launching a friendly collection competition throughout July 2026. The School Supply Challenge aims to gather essential classroom items for local students before the upcoming academic year begins.
All collected materials directly benefit children served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Juan County, ensuring local youth have the necessary resources to start school with confidence.
What Are the 2026 School Supply Challenge Details?
In short: drop off new classroom supplies at any participating agency barrel during July to vote for your preferred law enforcement department while supporting local youth development.
- Dates: July 1–31, 2026
- Competitors: Farmington Police Department vs. San Juan County Sheriff’s Office
- Beneficiary: Boys & Girls Clubs of San Juan County
- Collection Sites: Donation barrels are located at the main offices of both law enforcement agencies, as well as designated local businesses and civic locations throughout San Juan County.
What Is the Purpose of the School Supply Challenge?
The annual drive addresses the financial strain that back-to-school shopping places on low-income families in the region. By using a competitive format between the city police and county sheriff departments, the initiative raises community awareness and increases total donation volumes. The items collected help bridge the resource gap for hundreds of children, allowing them to focus on academic performance rather than a lack of basic learning materials.
What Items Are Needed for the Collection Drive?
Organizers are requesting new, unused classroom essentials suitable for elementary through high school students. High-priority donation needs include:
- Backpacks and three-ring binders
- Spiral notebooks and pocket folders
- Pencils, pens, highlighters, and magic markers
- Crayons, glue sticks, and safety scissors
- Tissues and bottles of hand sanitizer
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Drop Off School Supply Donations?
Donation barrels are stationed at the Farmington Police Department headquarters and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office main building from July 1 through July 31, 2026. Additional collection bins are placed at participating civic centers and local businesses throughout Farmington and Aztec.
How Do I Vote for a Specific Law Enforcement Agency?
Your donation serves as your vote. When you place school supplies into the designated barrel of either the Farmington Police Department or the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, your items are tallied toward that specific agency’s total. The department with the highest volume of collected supplies at the end of July wins the challenge.
Who Receives the Donated Materials?
At the end of the drive, all collected goods are transferred to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Juan County. Staff and volunteers organize the inventory and distribute the backpacks and supplies directly to registered club members and regional families in need before the first day of classes.
Can I Make a Monetary Donation Instead of Buying Supplies?
Yes. Financial contributions can be made directly to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Juan County to support their back-to-school distribution efforts. These funds allow coordinators to purchase bulk quantities of high-demand items that may be missing from the collection barrels, ensuring complete supply kits for every child.
