If you’re looking for free school supplies in Alameda County, we’ve done the research for you. From Berkeley to Livermore, here’s how to get what you need.
Free School Supplies in Alameda County, California
Some faith-based and charitable organizations in Alameda County work together to provide school supplies to low-income schools while others give them directly to individuals. To confirm eligibility, hours, and locations, contact the organization directly.
Free Backpacks and School Supplies in Alameda County
Oakland Natives Give Back Backpack & Supplies Giveaway passes out free school supplies and backpacks to students in the Oakland area. Although there is a waitlist for 2018, you can register at the website.
Tri-Valley Haven gives out free backpacks to Alameda County students. For details, call (925) 449-5845.
1st United Credit Union of Alameda County offers backpacks and school supplies to foster youth served by Alternative Family Services and Alameda County Family Justice.
The Interfaith Backpack Project in Livermore gives away backpacks and school supplies to students in grades K-12 every year. For more information, call 925-449-5602.
The Alameda County Fire Department and Local 55 collect backpacks and school supplies. Visit the website for details.
Teaching Self-Sufficiency Through Education offers free backpacks and free school supplies in Alameda County every year.
Free School Supplies in Alameda County (and possibly backpacks)
Help Me Grow Alameda County and the Oakland Family Resources Center give away free school supplies, books, and raffles. For updates, check out their website.
One Child offers new clothing and school supplies at their store in the Bay area. To be included, ask your school for a referral, or email [email protected].
Equipped for Success collects school supplies for other organizations to give to students. To find out more, visit their website.
Salvation Army in Alameda County works with its partners to help students in grades K-12. For more information, call a store near you for assistance or referrals.
Check Center in Claremont gives out free school supplies at its annual event in Alameda County. For dates and information, visit their website.
The Culture of Good gives away backpacks filled with free school supplies at Verizon stores. Children must be present. To find a location near you, visit their website.
Help For Military Families, Foster Parents, and Teachers
Operation Homefront gives backpacks and free school supplies to military families in Alameda County. They also help families in other ways. For 60 delivery sites across the country, visit their website.
1st United Credit Union of Alameda County offers backpacks and school supplies to foster youth served by Alternative Family Services and Alameda County Family Justice.
Kids in Need Foundation provides boxes of free school supplies to classroom teachers in low-income schools, but teachers must fill out an application on the website.
Target stores give teachers a 15 percent discount on all school supplies. For details, visit their website.
Free School Clothes in Alameda County, CA
From kindergarten to high school, children find it easier to learn when they feel good about themselves, and the organizations below want to help. Some offer gently used or new school clothes, and others sell them at affordable prices. Because most depend on volunteers and donations to keep their doors open, their hours and inventory may vary. If you can’t find what you need here, get referrals from your school, call local churches, or dial 211 for a referral from the United Way.
New Back-to-School Clothes
The Assistance League‘s flagship program, Operation School Bell, knows students learn when they feel good about themselves. In this project, teachers in grades K – 5 identify students who need assistance. Then volunteers take them to Kohl’s to shop for a bag of new clothes. In addition to clothing, students get books to read and free tutoring during the school year.
First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church hosts an annual back-to-school shoe giveaway for students in grades K-12. To participate in Put Your Best Foot Forward 2018, you MUST pre-register by Friday, August 17.
One Child provides clothing and free school supplies in Alameda County. To visit their store for free NEW school clothes and supplies, call 510-713-8643. See listing above
The Oakland Public Education Fund takes students on an annual shopping trip to Target, and they also provide backpacks, free school supplies, coats, and tutoring.
Clothing Closets
The Hanger is a free clothing closet run by Pleasanton Schools. Located at Village High School Room 703B, 4645 Bernal Avenue in Pleasanton, they also offer help for students with special needs.
CityServe of the TriValley works with churches and charities to give clothing and more to families in crisis. Visit their website for more information.
The Telegraph Ministry Center provides new and gently used clothing for Bay area residents of all ages, and most clothing is free.
Salvation Army Assistance Program not only offers free clothing and other services to those in need, but the charity also runs numerous thrift stores. Click here to find a location near you.
Ecumenical Hunger Program in Palo Alto gives free furniture and clothing to the needy. Families and individuals may visit twice a month, but children’s clothing and blankets are also available by appointment. Hours vary. Call (650) 323-7781.
St. Andrew Foundation on Mission Street in San Francisco gives free clothes and food to the homeless, as well as those with low incomes. Call (415) 241-2600 or visit their website.
Saint John Coltrane African Orthodox Church One Mind Temple in San Francisco gives out clothing on the day of request to anyone in need. Call (415) 673-7144.
ECAP (Emeryville Community Action Program) gives clothes directly to the people who need them. Call (510) 499-1263.
Bay Area Women and Children’s Center has one of the largest free clothing closets in San Francisco, and they give out books and personal items as well. Call them at (415) 474-2400 or email [email protected].
Davis Street in San Leandro gives clothing, food, and more when supplies are available. To meet with a family advocate, call at (510) 347-4620 or email [email protected]
Free Clothing and Other Services
Society St Vincent de Paul Alameda not only helps families with clothing, but it also provides warm coats. See listing above.
The Oakland Public Education Fund takes students on an annual shopping trip to Target, and they also give out backpacks, free school supplies, coats, and tutoring.
Raphael House is a homeless shelter for families with children, but they provide clothing for school children and families in Alameda County too. Visit their website or call (415) 474-4621.
Alameda County Foster Parents Association gives free shoes and clothing to children in foster families. For information, visit their website.
Thrift Stores
The Bambino Thrift Shop in Oakland sells new and gently used children’s clothing to benefit the Children’s Hospital Oakland. Visit their website or call them at (510) 658-7473.
Goodwill Stores sell clothing in a variety of styles and sizes, and they have several locations around the county. Visit the website to find one near you.
Salvation Army has multiple thrift stores that sell clothing and household goods. See listing above.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores in Livermore and Oakland offer a selection of children’s clothing, in addition to other items. Call (925) 455-1104 for directions or information.
