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FREE School Supplies in Washington, D.C.

FREE School Supplies in Washington, D.C.

School supplies in Washington, D.C. on your mind? It won’t matter whether you live in Bloomingdale, Georgetown, or Hill East, the resources gathered here will be of great use.

We suggest you check any website’s “Contact” page for more information on who to talk to about certain events.

Free school supplies in Washington, D.C.

Project GiveBack is an “army” of volunteers. This group hosts an annual “Back to School” program for kids in Washington, D.C.  They accept donations from outside sources for backpacks and other school supplies to provide kids with everything that they’ll need. For more information, you can check out more of their information regarding how they’ve run it previously.

District of Columbia Public School offers some fantastic services for their students. Some of my favorites include the 500 for 500 mentoring programs and the Expectant and Parenting Students program. These programs both support specific groups who are typically at-risk of dropping out or failing to finish their K-12 education.

The school also offers a “Neediest Kids Fund” through a partnership with the National Center for Children and Families. This program provides school uniforms, shoes, supplies and other necessities to children from low income families who otherwise couldn’t afford them.

To receive assistance from the Neediest Kids Fund, you will need to contact an official at your child’s school. School staff can request uniforms, shoes, groceries, personal items and even medications to help support your child!

What would happen to your child if you cannot get them their supplies in time? The DCPS has a law written down stating that “Students who are non-compliant because they require financial assistance in obtaining a uniform shall not be subject to corrective or disciplinary action.”

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.

Washington Redskins is a football organization working to help the community. The organization hosts their “Back to School” fair at their team stadium. The fair welcomes children from ages 6-11, or more simply from 1st grade to the 5th. The fair offers school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, dental exams, and information on resources for parents. To be able to join in on the fun, you must fill out an application that the organization puts up on their official post about the event. You are able to fill out one form per child.

Free/reduced clothing in Washington, D.C.

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. Clothing is ready to be distributed on Tuesdays and Thursdays with the addition of the second Saturday of every month.

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 Fridays during the morning hours. An ID must be present for you to search for the clothes you may need.

Get more free stuff and information for Washington, D.C.

Namita Mallick

Thursday 25th of August 2022

My daughter is 4 yr old.. I want some school supplies bagpack

Thank you

Catherine Marucci

Friday 26th of August 2022

Hi Namita. You can reach out to the agencies listed above. We don't provide school supplies but they do!