FREE School Supplies in Washington, D.C.

Your child may be able to get free school supplies in Washington DC! We have found many different options, from year-round funds to summer events, that can help your child get the supplies they need for a successful school year. Let’s look at your options.

Free School Supplies in Washington DC

District of Columbia Public Schools offer some incredible services for low income students who are struggling financially. If you can’t afford school supplies this year, contact your school counselor and ask about “The Neediest Kids Program.” This fund can help provide school uniforms, school supplies and other necessities. They may even be able to help with groceries, medications and other essentials as well!

Project GiveBack hosts an annual back to school event that provides free school supplies, backpacks, and other essentials to students that need them. The event is always held the weekend before school starts. They also provide other supportive services for low income families, like Thanksgiving food boxes, Christmas toys for kids, and more.

Free Back to School Events

An Annual Back to School Fair is held by DC Public Schools and DYRS each year. This program provides free school supplies, as well as backpacks, uniforms, haircuts and more. Keep an eye on the press releases from the Office of the Attorney General for more information about this year’s event.

DPR Roving Leaders Backpack Giveaway happens annually in August. This event offers free backpacks full of school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a child between the ages of 3-17 who needs this help, then you’ll want to attend one of their events.

Back 2 School Youth Got Talent Block Party provides a fun evening for children to share their talents. There will also be a backpack and school supply giveaway at the same time. The event takes place in mid-August at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus.

Back to School Day at RFK happens in late August. This event offers free school supplies, as well as free haircuts, backpacks, food, immunizations and more. The event takes place in the early afternoon at The Fields at RFK Campus.

Free School Uniforms

Charlie’s Place is a church serving the community. This church runs various services throughout the week with fun activities and simple services to those who may be in need. Their clothing giveaways are during the week, which is something you must signup for.

SOME (so others might eat) is described as an interfaith community group. From their location in Washington, D.C. they provide hot meals, clothes, and even showers. The distribute their clothing to anyone and everyone on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the morning hours. No ID is required for adults.

Other Resources

The Latin American Youth Center is a center established to assist the Hispanic youth in Washington, D.C. This center assists children with their school work, art, job hunting, housing, and health benefits. This group accepts donations to be given out to their students that are part of the Youth Center. Donations come from a variety of trusted sources in the Washington, D.C. area and abroad. There is also information on their website should you want to enroll your child for some extra benefits.

Relief Recap

There are many ways to get free school supplies in Washington DC! We’ve also found some additional ways to get help with school uniforms and other educational supports. Please don’t hesitate to contact the providers on this list for assistance. They’re here to help!