Living in California is expensive and school supplies cost more every year. Whether you live in busy Los Angeles or laidback Hermosa Beach, we have all the information you need to stay on budget this fall. We even found a free anti-bullying seminar!
Get FREE School Supplies in Los Angeles County, California!
Most of these events occur annually, but unexpected situations sometimes cause changes in dates, location, or eligibility. Please confirm details and required documents, such as IDs or referrals, for each one. You can also find links to many of these (and newly listed) events here.
Prestige Martial Arts and Mentorship will hold a free Anti-Bully Proof Seminar in La Habra. The focus will be on nonverbal communication. Sign up here for the 2018 event.
The United Way of Greater Los Angeles works with its partners to provide a wide range of services to families in need, and some locations hold annual backpack drives. To find out more, visit their website or call (213) 808-6220.
Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic (LACGC) offers free school supplies (while supplies last) at its annual Back to School Fair. Registration has closed for the 2018 event, but you can email them using their contact information to be put on the list for next year.
The Veterans’ Advocacy Group of America hands out backpacks filled with school supplies for children of veterans. Adult veterans get free jackets and socks. There is a limited supply, so be sure to arrive early. The 2018 event will take place on Saturday, August 11, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM in Glendale, CA. For more information, call (800) 476-1927 or email [email protected].
Healthy Him sponsors an annual fund drive for school supplies. Back to School BBQ Extravaganza, 2018 will provide barbeque, health information, live music and bookbags with school supplies to students of all ages including college, on Friday, August 24, 2018, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 in Los Angeles. Register online if you are interested in receiving free supplies.
City Light LA gives away school supplies and backpacks every year. Registration for the 2018 event has closed. Check the website for future events.
Bridges to Community’s Back to School Supply Giveaway provides backpacks and school supplies for grades K-12. The 2018 event will take place from 10:00 – 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at 225 W. Torrance Bouleavard, Carson. Children must be present to receive supplies. First come, first served. Email [email protected] for more information.
Breath of Life’s Back to School Block Party provides free backpacks, free haircuts and entertainment. The 2018 event will take place on August 19, 2018, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Learning Lab Ventures’ 8th Annual Back to School Giveaway will distribute 2,500 backpacks filled with books, supplies, snacks, and toiletries to students in grades K-12. The 2018 event will take place Saturday, August 4 from 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Visit the website for more information or to register for free tickets.
The Special Needs Network’s Back 2 School Community Health and Resource Fair provides entertainment, backpacks, and supplies to over 1,000 kids ages 3-18. The 2018 event will take place on August 18 from 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM at the Mt Carmel Recreation Center in LA.
Sensory Integration Education and Research Foundation (SIERF) holds an annual Back to School Giveaway to distribute backpacks and school supplies to grades K-12. Registration is closed for 2018. Registration is required to receive supplies.
A Child’s Dream-CA Annual Back to School Giveaway 2018 distributes hundreds of backpacks with school supplies. The 2018 event will take place on Saturday, August 18 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Register here for “preferred entrance”.
Comprehensive Community Care Health Center holds an annual Back to School Health and Wellness event. The 2018 event will take place from 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM on August 18, 2018 in Glendale. Backpacks and supplies will be available for over 1,000 students in grades K-12. Health screenings will also be available.
Project Jumpstart’s annual Free Back Pack School Supply Giveaway for ages 13-18 requires a current student ID. The 2018 event will be held from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Registration required.
Carver Missionary Baptist Church holds an annual Stay Connected Free Community Resource & Back to School Affair to give away school supplies, food, and clothing. The 2018 event takes place from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on August 11.
A Place Called Home distributes school supplies every year. The 2018 event starts at 11:00 AM on August 4. Contact them at [email protected] or [email protected] for more info.
New Challenge Fresh Rescue Food Bank holds an annual Back to School Event to give away food and backpacks filled with school supplies to students in grades K – 12. Register online.
Harbor Community Clinic in San Pedro holds a Back to School Fair to give away school supplies, backpacks, and free haircuts. The 2018 event will be from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM on August 18. Register here.
The Lighthouse Christian Center of Long Beach gives bookbags away at its Community Health and Wellness Fair. Email [email protected] for information.
Giving Children Hope’s We’ve Got Your Back Program delivers over 1,000 backpacks filled with food to schools every year. They also sponsor charitable events. For more info, check out their website or email them at [email protected].
Take Your City BACKpack Giveaway distributes backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. Register for a ticket here for the August 4 event.
Operation Grace in San Bernardino gives away school supplies at its annual Back to School Community Day. The 2018 event will be from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM on August 3. Register here.
Temecula Valley VFW Post 4089 sponsors an annual Back to School Bash to distribute school supplies and copy paper for teachers. The 2018 event will be held from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM on August 24. Register here.
Rainbow Pack distributes around 10,000 backpacks filled with supplies to elementary students from low-income households. Request information through the website.
The Salvation Army donates school supplies, backpacks, shoes, and clothing to needy students. They also help families in times of crisis or financial need. Visit their website for more information.
Some schools provide school supplies for families in need, and others make referrals. If you need help, talk to local schools, churches, or community services. If they can’t help, they can probably tell you who can.
Get FREE School Clothes in Los Angeles County, California!
The following organizations provide new or used clothing for children. Because they depend heavily on donations and volunteers, their inventory and hours may vary. Please confirm details and kinds of documents, IDs, or referrals needed for service. These are only a few of the many charities that help with clothing and services. To find one in your community, search online or ask for referrals from local schools and organizations.
The National Council of Jewish Women in Los Angeles opens a one-day marketplace for students to shop for clothing, personal items, and school supplies. The 2018 Back 2 School event is July 29. Check their website or email [email protected] for more info.
Operation School Bell provides school uniforms in blue and white, one pair of shoes, socks, a jacket, a grooming kit, a toy, and a book for each child. A school referral is required, and students must be accompanied by school personnel. The project also has a traveling closet and a Prom Day program. It operates during the school year. Check the website for more information.
Carson Family Resource Center has a clothing closet that provides new and used clothing for people who live in the Carson area or families whose children go to school there.
Society of St Vincent de Paul has a free distribution clothing program for all ages. Supplies are dependent on donations. Call (323) 224-6280.
Trinity Baptist Church of Los Angeles has clothing for all ages, based on availability. Call (323) 735-0044.
The African American Unity Center provides clothing for Los Angeles residents of all ages, depending on availability. Call (323) 789-7300.
Southeast Churches Service Center offers children’s clothing when available. Call (323) 585-8254 for more information.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles provides clothing to anyone in need, depending on availability. Visit their website to find a location near you.
Holy Cross Community Center gives clothing to people of all ages, based on availability. Call (323) 232-3333.
Ascension Lutheran Church, My Friend’s House, gives clothing to children when available. There are no geographical restrictions. Call (323) 292-4939.
Assistance League of LA has clothing and school supplies for at-risk children and youth. Call (323) 469-1973.
Carver Missionary Baptist Church provides clothing, based on availability. See listing above.
The Salvation Army provides clothing vouchers to be used at its store or gift vouchers to be used in partner stores, such as Target. See above for contact info.
Joy Community Outreach to End Homelessness provides used clothing, as available, to all ages in Los Angeles County. No ID required. Call (323) 939-5808.
Grateful Hearts Storehouse provides emergency food and clothing, based on availability. Call (562) 431-0880.
Meet Each Need With Dignity (MEND) is a well-organized mall-like setup that provides five items of clothing monthly to each family member. Hours are 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday. A $5 donation is requested.
Assigned Angels International serves families in need of clothing. Call (951) 289-0442 for assistance.
Beach Cities Interfaith Services helps with a wide range of needs, including clothes for adults and children. Hours are 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday through Friday.
