School supplies add up quickly, placing pressure on lots of parents and guardians as the school year approaches. Thankfully, several charities and organizations run programs that offer free school supplies in Richland County, SC.
If you stay in or around Richland County, SC, the resources listed here can help you get free school supplies including clothing and stationery.
In this post, you’ll find an overview of programs or charities that offer school supplies and clothing for children at reduced or no cost. We’ve also included everything you need to know, including their website and contact information, to make it easier for you.
Charities Offering Free School Supplies
We conducted extensive research on free school supplies programs in this area. Although we couldn’t find many credible resources for things like backpacks and pencils, we did find several that provided free clothing options for children.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army assists low-income families with feeding, shelter, rent and utility emergencies, groceries, after-school programs, and furniture vouchers. Sometimes, depending on the donations available, they may also provide school supplies.
Under “Operation School Supplies,” the Salvation Army supplies children from low-income families with backpacks and school supplies at the start of the school year.
If for some reason, you can’t get school supplies, you can save back-to-school costs by getting free clothes. Information on the clothing is limited. So, you should call ahead to make inquiries. They typically require you to book an appointment. You can reach them at 803-765-0260. For more information on the programs they run, check out their “How We Help” page.
Operation Homefront
Families of service members and wounded warriors can benefit from the numerous assistance programs run by Operation Homefront. These programs are geared at helping families of veterans and fallen heroes live comfortable lives.
One such program is the Back-to-School Brigade. This program is a family event where Operation Homefront distributes school supplies to eligible military children. The supplies distributed include sturdy, durable, backpacks, and essential items like pens, paper, and pencils.
This program is only available to DEERS-enrolled military-dependent children who will be in Kindergarten through 12th grade for the school year. Also, due to limited resources, these events are on a first-come, first-reserved registration process. You must register early to snag a spot.
For the latest developments or to find the next Back-to-School event around you, you can join their Facebook community or visit their events page.
The Cooperative Ministry
The Cooperative Ministry is an incredible agency. They fight poverty in the Midlands through crisis aid and programs promoting self-sufficiency. They offer insurance assistance, financial empowerment, food vouchers, emergency aid, volunteer income tax assistance, career improvement, furniture, and a clothing bank.
Their clothing bank provides free school clothing for individuals, families, and approved shelter agencies. To apply as an individual or a family, you must:
- Reside in Richland County
- Make the request in person
- Present a South Carolina Driver’s License or State Identification card. For families, each person receiving clothing must have a Social Security card.
Please note that any member of your family who is 18 or older must come in person for their clothing. You can visit their office anytime between 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 am to 12 noon on Fridays.
How to Get Free School Supplies in Richland County, SC
Aside from the charities listed above, here are some other ways you can get free school supplies in Richland County, SC.
Religious Organizations (Churches)
Several religious organizations organize back-to-school bashes where they distribute free school supplies. Sometimes, these bashes are accompanied by cookouts, picnics, and other fun activities. Other times, churches organize them as drive-throughs.
One common denominator in these events is that the distribution of the supplies is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hence, you need to get there early enough to get one for your kids. They also often require that the child be present with you. It may be hard to keep track of these events since they are held by different religious bodies.
Companies
As part of their goal to give back to society, several companies hold back-to-school events where they distribute free school supplies.
An example is the TCC-Verizon School Rocks Backpack Giveaway where backpacks stocked with school supplies are distributed. This event is also on a first come first serve basis and is usually held at various TCC and Wireless Zone stores nationwide.
School Districts
Richland County school districts sometimes organize back-to-school events where they distribute free backpacks and school supplies.
Also, they may have extra school supplies at hand for families facing financial difficulties. For more details, contact your school district.
University of South Carolina Gamecock School Supplies
The University of South Carolina has a Gamecock School Supplies service for its undergraduate students. There, students have access to notebooks, pens, highlighters, calculators, and several other school supplies at no cost.
The Gamecock School Supply closet is located in the Student Success Center on the Mezzanine Level of the Thomas Cooper Library and is open Mondays to Fridays, 9 am to 5 pm, and on Sundays from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Please note that you can only visit Gamecock School Supplies every two weeks. You’ll be required to present your Carolina card before gaining access to the supply closet. Also, the return of items such as calculators, iClickers, and backpacks may be required.
Other Free Supplies in Richland County, SC
If you need help with free school clothes or other needs, these organizations may be able to help.
Sharing God’s Love Ministry
Sharing God’s Love Ministry is a non-governmental organization that helps low-income families and individuals in crisis. They provide food pantry, prescription expense assistance, vision expense assistance, and clothing.
Usually, they supply eligible applicants with food and clothing once a month. To be eligible for assistance, you must reside in either Lexington or Richland County. You will be required to provide a current picture of where you stay and proof of address.
You must also set an appointment by leaving a message with your name and a valid phone number for them to reach you at 803-732-3188. Sharing God’s Love will return your call and, if necessary, set up a physical appointment where you’ll be interviewed by a staff member.
Mission Lexington (Formerly Lexington Interfaith Community Service)
Mission Lexington, formerly called Lexington Interfaith Community Service, caters to the needs of low-income families living in Lexington. Their services include feeding assistance, social services, and clothing assistance.
They have a mission store that provides clothing and household items to those in need at no cost. It also doubles as a thrift store that’s open to the general public. You can walk in any time from 9 am to 2:45 pm (official closing time is 3 pm), Monday through Saturday.
If you’re a Lexington resident in need of assistance, you can visit their office at 216 Harmon Street, Lexington, SC 29072, or, call them at (803) 785-6900.
Wateree Community Actions
Wateree Community Actions, Inc. provides services to residents of Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw, and Sumter Counties. The programs they provide include utility and rent assistance, employment assistance, weatherization, Head Start, and education assistance. They also provide referrals to other helpful community resources.
For inquiries, you can reach them at 803-786-4250, 803-592-7000, or 803-807-9811.
Relief Recap
Access to free school supplies can help you significantly save on back-to-school expenses. Thankfully, there are several ways you can get free school supplies. The charities discussed in this post often organize school supply giveaways for low-income American families and individuals in need.
Low Income Relief Team
This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.