Vienna-area families looking to donate school supplies before classes resume have another chance this week: the Fairfax County Police Department's annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event returns to PenFed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center on Friday, Aug. 14, from noon to 3 p.m.

The drive collects new backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, markers, pencils, pens, glue, highlighters and gift cards to Target, Walmart or Giant. All donations go directly to children served by the FCPD's Victim Services Division, which provides free support and advocacy to adults and children affected by crime and trauma across Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Herndon and Vienna.

The division worked with 456 child victims and witnesses in 2025, according to FCPD. Saly Fayez, director of the Victim Services Division, told the Fairfax Times in August 2023, speaking about the division's school-supply efforts, that the goal is to give children "the confidence to start the school year without the shame and often fear that comes from not having what the other kids have."

Donors who bring supplies Friday will be entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card to a Tysons Corner Center retailer. Kids can enjoy face painting, glitter tattoos, crafts, live music and games while families meet FCPD officers and tour a police cruiser.

The event falls 10 days before Fairfax County Public Schools classes begin Monday, Aug. 24, according to the FCPS calendar. Vienna families who missed the FACETS school supply drive, which wrapped up Aug. 10, still have time to contribute through Stuff-A-Cruiser.

Tysons Corner Center and FCPD have partnered on the event in prior years, according to TysonsToday.com, though the exact number of years the drive has run could not be confirmed. More information is available at tysonscornercenter.com/BackToSchool.

Upcoming

  • Friday, Aug. 14, noon–3 p.m. — Stuff-A-Cruiser school supply drive, PenFed Plaza, Tysons Corner Center. Free admission; bring new school supplies to donate.
  • Monday, Aug. 24 — First day of school, Fairfax County Public Schools.