Baseball, backpacks, and a bus full of supplies — the TinCaps are making sure students step into class with more than just pencils.

It wasn’t just about baseball on Tuesday night at Parkview Field. Fans walked in with notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks tucked under their arms — and for once, it wasn’t for autographs. The Fort Wayne TinCaps teamed up with the Salvation Army for a night that combined summer fun with back-to-school giving.

The “Tools for School” campaign is back, and it’s aiming to do more than ever before.

Yellow bus, big heart

Right past center field, parked like it belonged there, was a bright yellow school bus. But it wasn’t carrying kids. It was waiting for fans to fill it up.

Anyone coming to the TinCaps’ Touch-A-Truck night was invited to bring school supplies — things like folders, binders, glue, scissors, and more. The donations would go directly to local students, many of whom might otherwise start school without the basics.

Captain Dena Smith with the Salvation Army was out there too, helping collect the goods and chatting with donors.

“Our goal is 800 kids,” she said. “But honestly, we’d love to blow that number out of the water.”

She said they see the same story every year — families stretched thin, choosing between groceries and school bags. That’s where these drives step in.

Fans get to give — and get something back

The TinCaps didn’t just ask for donations. They sweetened the deal.

Fans who brought supplies didn’t walk away empty-handed. They received a voucher for a future TinCaps game, making generosity a two-way street. Team spokespersons said it’s part of their ongoing commitment to blending community support with game-day excitement.

“You’re helping a kid walk into school feeling confident,” said one volunteer at the gate. “And you’re getting a night out for it. That’s a win.”

One fan, Mark Dillard, came with a tote bag full of notebooks. “My daughter’s grown now,” he said. “But I remember how expensive August used to be. If I can help someone else avoid that stress, count me in.”

Why it matters more this year

Organizers say the need this year is even more urgent. With inflation still driving up prices on everything from paper towels to backpacks, some families are bracing for the most expensive school year yet.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average U.S. household spent around $890 on back-to-school supplies in 2024, a figure that’s expected to climb slightly in 2025. That includes not just pens and paper, but also lunchboxes, tech accessories, and gym shoes.

In Allen County, around 1 in 5 children live in poverty, based on U.S. Census data. For these families, even basic supplies can be a burden.

One mom who received help through last year’s drive put it plainly: “It’s not just a backpack. It’s peace of mind.”

Here’s what they’re asking for

The Salvation Army says they’re trying to collect a balanced mix of supplies. While crayons and pencils are always needed, they also encourage people to think broader.

Suggested donations include:

• Backpacks (especially for older students)

• Scientific calculators

• Composition notebooks

• Index cards and highlighters

• Zipper pouches and pencil cases

• Reusable water bottles

• Dry erase markers and rulers

Volunteers say they’re often short on items for high schoolers, who may need more expensive or less “cute” supplies. “It’s easy to grab a coloring book,” said one volunteer. “But a graphing calculator? That’s gold.”

Table: Tools for School Drive — By the Numbers (Goal vs. 2024 Actuals)

Touch-A-Truck made it more than a donation drive

Tuesday wasn’t just about school supplies. It was also Touch-A-Truck night — a family favorite where kids got to explore fire trucks, garbage trucks, and construction rigs up close.

The combo of giving and gawking made for a surprisingly effective fundraiser.

One dad, arms full of notebooks, paused to snap a photo of his son behind the wheel of a dump truck. “He thinks he’s driving it to school,” he joked.

For many families, the night was a reminder that giving doesn’t have to be boring. It can feel like a celebration.

What happens after the bus fills up?

Once the drive wraps, the Salvation Army gets to work. All items will be sorted, packed, and distributed directly to schools and community centers across Allen County.

They work with school social workers and local nonprofits to make sure supplies land in the hands of students who need them most.

Captain Smith says last year, some donations went to new refugee families who had just arrived in Indiana days before the school year started. Others supported kids living in temporary housing.

“That first day of school is hard enough,” she said. “Imagine not even having a pencil. We want to change that.”