If you need free school supplies in Middlesex County, we can help. From Lowell to Framingham, here are the best places to find it all.
Many of the groups below hold annual giveaways while others help students on a year-round basis. Because they rely on volunteers and donations, their hours and selections may vary. If you don’t find what you need, check with local schools and churches. Most can help or refer you to someone who can.
Free School Supplies in Middlesex County, MA
Backpacks for Kids collects school supplies and backpacks. Before school starts, they deliver the supplies to organizations within driving distance. You can find more information here.
CambridgeSide Galleria holds a Pack-a-Backpack-School Supply Drive for the children in a specific community center each year.
Hope Fellowship Church gives away backpacks and school supplies at its Back to School Festival. Sign up here for the August 25, 2018 event.
ICNA Relief Massachusetts (Islamic Circles of North America) gives out free backpacks and school supplies at locations across the state.
Operation Homefront Back-to-School Brigade works with Dollar Tree stores to give school supplies to children in military families. They also offer other services, ranging from transitional housing and holiday meals to critical financial assistance.
Schools on Wheels Massachusetts gives out backpacks with free school supplies to students in grades K-12. They also provide mentors and tutors all the way through college.
TCC Verizon Wireless School Rocks Backpack Giveaway offers free school supplies, but an adult must be present for the event. See the website for a list of participating stores.
The Homeless Children Education Fund provides free school supplies and backpacks to agencies that work with the homeless. They also participate in educational programs for children and teens.
The United Way of Tri-County partners with over 40 community organizations to provide backpacks with supplies to local children and youth. For more information, call United Way at 211 or 877-211-6277.
Volunteers of America Massachusetts Operation Backpack gives school supplies to organizations that help needy children.
Other Resources in Sussex County, MA
Cambridge Agenda for Children publishes a directory of resources for middle school students.
Find It Cambridge lists local resources and events for Cambridge residents from birth to old age.
Project Just Because allows parents to fill out an online form to request free school supplies or a general request form for other needs. The program also gives out gluten-free food and fresh bakery items.
Target stores give teachers a discount on school-related supplies.
The Final Touch Barber Shop in Springfield gives free haircuts every year. Call (413) 781-0019 for details and dates.
The Kids In Need Foundation provides free school supplies, but giveaways take place ONLY through their Resource Centers. They also give supply boxes to teachers in low-income schools, but teachers must fill out a request. See the website for deadlines and details.
Free school supplies in Boston, MA.
The Boston Dream Center gives backpacks to low-income students from one of the city’s community centers every year.
The city of Boston has a list of places for residents with low incomes to get help.
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth to the age of 12 with all kinds of needs, in addition to holding an annual Boston Backpack-a-thon.
The Salvation Army and its partners sponsor Boston’s biggest Back to School Supply Program for students from ages 5 to 17. Some locations also let parents fill out applications to request school supplies while others offer referrals or supplies.
Free School Clothes in Sussex County, MA
Some of these groups give out free or lightly used clothing while others run resale shops. You can also find clothing at unlisted churches and charities in your neighborhood, and schools sometimes help with uniforms or special needs.
American Friends Service Committee and the Material Assistance Program give out clothing and household items. Call (617) 876-5312.
Central Food and Clothing Ministry, Inc. gives out food, clothing, baby supplies, and personal hygiene items when they are available. Call (978) 454-7445.
Community Teamwork, Inc. runs a Coats for Kids program that gives out winter coats, hats, and outerwear. Call (978) 459-0551 or (978) 934-8898.
Jewish Family Services of Metrowest not only runs pop-up stores that take school clothing where it is needed, but they also have an on-site resale boutique.
The Salvation Army not only provides a free clothing closet, but it also runs thrift stores and gives out free shoes. See listing above or call (413) 442-0624.
Solutions at Work – Children’s Clothing Exchange gives out children’s clothing, along with baby supplies, strollers, toys, books, child safety seats, and other items. Call (617) 576-0039.
The Department of Transitional Assistance pays a one-time clothing of $250 for every child enrolled in the program.
The Town of Wayland Community Fund provides financial aid, hygiene care items, clothing, and more to Wayland residents in need.
United Way of Tri-County provides clothing or refers families to its partners. See listing above.
Veterans Inc. Outreach gives food, furniture, financial aid, and clothing to veterans and their families. They also help with housing, social services, and healthcare, as well as making referrals to other charitable organizations. Call (508) 791-3273 or click the link for details.
Windham Helping Hands provides clothing. sneakers, and more. Email [email protected].
Thrift Stores in Middlesex County
Boomerangs thrift stores sell gently used clothing and other items. For even greater savings, download their monthly calendar.
Goodwill thrift stores sell clothing, books, furniture, and more.
Jewish Family Services of Metrowest sells clothing at their boutique. See above.
Keeping Pace with Multiple Miracles runs a resale shop for children. Call (508) 559-0040.
The Salvation Army thrift stores sell clothing and other items. See listing above.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul thrift stores sell school clothing, but they also help in other ways. Contact a Catholic church for information.
More School Clothes in Boston
Catholic Services Archdiocese of Boston offers free clothes to families in need, as well as providing a variety of services to local families, immigrants, and Spanish speakers.
The Thrift Shop of Boston sells gently used clothing, books, and more. Their website lists weekly sales and promotions.
Goodwill Industries thrift stores sell clothing, books, furniture, and household items. Visit their website to find locations near you.
