Looking for free school supplies and back to school clothes in Kent, WA? We’re happy to help. I did some searches for this information and this is what I found.
FREE School Supplies in Kent, WA
The first place to turn for help is actually your local school. That’s because many of the organizations that conduct drives and fundraisers for supplies actually donate those items directly to the schools themselves. It’s just easier for those organizations to donate to the district and let the district decide who needs them.
If you need extra support, the people in the office may be able to connect you with those donated supplies. The Kent school district often has an online request form available on their website as well.
Some of the organizations that donate directly to the school district include:
- Communities in Schools of Kent donates items directly to the schools. Those items are distributed at school to students who need them. In the past, they’ve also donated things like alarm clocks and lice medication too. For assistance, email info@ciskent.org.
- Fill the Bus School Supply Drive is an annual event that aims to fill an entire school bus with donated supplies. Those supplies are then handed over to the district for distribution.
Of course, there are still some organizations that donate supplies directly to families as well. These include:
- Kent Meridian Hub offers free school supplies, personal hygiene products, food and other services to low income families who are experiencing homelessness. The Hub is located at Kent Meridian High School.
- NW Life Church hosts an event every year called the Great Big Backpack Give event. This event takes place in mid-to-late August.
- Salvation Army may be able to provide school supplies to low income Auburn families who need them.
- YMCA often provides free student support services at the Kirkland Teen Union Building. These services may include free backpacks, calculators, hair cuts, clothes and more for middle and high school students in King County.
Certain Medicaid plans also include allowances for school supplies each year. You will need to look into the details of your particular plan to see if this service is available to you.
Free School Clothes & Other Student Supports
Kent Food Bank & Emergency Services offers a clothing back for people of all ages who reside within the Kent School District boundaries. In addition to school clothes, you can also get work clothes, winter coats and plus-size clothing here!
St. James Episcopal Church provides food and thrift-store clothing vouchers to residents of the Kent School District. You may only receive services from this Church once every six months.
St. Vincent de Paul of Seattle King County provides clothing, furniture, beds and other household items for those in need. You may receive a voucher to the SVDP thrift store or the clothing may be provided from a clothing bank. Locations vary. Contact (206) 767-6449 for more help.
King County Library System offers free one-on-one and virtual tutoring services for K-12 students. If your child needs extra support in any subject, the library may be able to help!
Relief Recap
Remember, getting ready for back-to-school doesn’t have to break the bank. Kent has a variety of resources available to help your family. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations and inquire about their current programs and eligibility requirements. We hope this information helps make the back-to-school season a little easier for you and your family!