Going back to school can be expensive, but we’ve made it easy. If you’re looking for free school supplies in Salt Lake County, we have a list of places to go.
Because these groups depend on donations, check for changes in hours, inventory, and eligibility before visiting. If you don’t find what you need, your child’s school may help, or they may refer you to someone else. Look around your neighborhood for unadvertised churches and businesses that pass out free school supplies too.
Get free backpacks and school supplies in Salt Lake County!
Salt Lake City Mission gives away hundreds of backpacks filled with free school supplies to students in grades K-12 every year. The 2018 event will take place from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, August 18.
Catholic Community Services of Utah holds a backpack giveaway for students in grades K- 12, but they require specific documents and proof of income. You can sign up by contacting Monica at MRICH@CCSUTAH or 801-428-1366. Distribution for the 2018 event will be from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, August 18.
Office Depot’s National Backpack Program gives out thousands of backpacks filled with essential school supplies each year, but not all stores take part. Visit the website for details.
United Way works with its partners to provide backpacks filled with supplies to needy students in grades K-12. The organization can also help with other needs, or they can make referrals. Dial 211.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Salt Lake County partner with Google to give away free backpacks filled with basic school supplies to students in grades K-12. The 2018 event has already taken place.
Verizon and Culture of Good sponsor annual backpack giveaways at stores around the country. First come, first served while supplies last. For a list of participating locations, visit the website. The 2018 event takes place in July.
Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree join forces every year to give free school supplies to children of military parents at 60 locations around the country. Besides the fund drive, Operation Homefront helps military families in other ways. You can find an application for help online.
Salvation Army collects school supplies and backpacks for students in need. To get supplies, contact a branch in your neighborhood. Besides backpacks, the Salvation Army provides vouchers for clothing, referrals to other organizations, food, and other services.
Kids In Need Foundation gives free supplies to teachers who work with low-income students, but teachers must apply. In 2018, the application process will be open from July 18th–August 19.
Get free clothing in Salt Lake County, Utah!
United Way works with its partners to provide uniforms, school clothing, warm coats, and shoes to school children. On a smaller scale, many churches and charities run thrift stores or clothing closets where they give away gently used clothing or sell it at reasonable prices. Clothing comes from donations from the community.
Assistance League of Salt Lake City runs Operation School Bell. The program sends thousands of children in grades kindergarten through junior high back to school with new jeans, sweatshirts, shirts, parkas, socks, shoes, and underwear. Schools must refer students to the program. If you want to take part, ask your child’s guidance counselor for a referral.
Salvation Army provides clothing vouchers for families to use in their thrift stores. See listing above.
Utah Dream Center in Salt Lake City collects clothing and resells it to families who are struggling or have low incomes. Call (801) 244-7934.
Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City helps people who have physical or financial needs. They offer free clothing, personal items, and baby supplies when they are available. Call (801) 364-7765.
The Family Support Center in Taylorsville helps children at risk. They also provide counseling, mentoring, and gently used children clothing. Call (801) 955-9110.
Homeless Youth Resource Center and Volunteers of America offer food, clothing, day center, medical care, and counseling to homeless youth.
Rescue Haven provides clothing, food, and shelter for homeless women and their children.
Deseret Industries operates several thrift stores that sell low-cost clothing and household items, besides offering adult services like job training and placement.
St. Therese’s thrift store in Midvale sells donated household goods and clothing for a small fee.
Salt Lake City Mission‘s One Warm Coat program gives away thousands of coats. See listing above.
