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Back to School? Get FREE School Supplies!

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Back to School season is already upon us! If you’re low income, shelling out $200-$400 per student for school supplies can be overwhelming or maybe even impossible. Fortunately, there are several organizations that can help you save money on supplies during this hectic back to school season!

School supplies are expensive! It’s been estimated that these annual purchases cost $200 per elementary student and up to $375 for high school students! Americans as a whole are expected to spend $83.6 BILLION on back to school supplies this year!

It’s no wonder why so many low income families struggle to get their children enough school supplies. As lists get longer and more expensive, it’s a real challenge for families to fill those backpacks. Fortunately, there are many agencies and charities that help low income families get free school supplies and start the year off right!

Contents: show

You may be able to get backpacks and FREE school supplies!

The Assistance League provides school supplies and clothing through Operation School Bell. For more information on programs in your area, you’ll need to contact your local Assistance League chapter.

The Kids in Need Foundation provides free supplies to communities where 70% or more of the children participate in a federal nutrition program, such as the National School Lunch Program. This program is available through these affiliates. 

Operation Homefront provides military families with school supplies through the Back-to-School Brigade. They distributed over 25,000 backpacks last year! The supplies are distributed at official Back-to-School Brigade events. 

The Salvation Army provides back-to-school assistance for low income families. Assistance may include backpacks, school supplies, shoes and/or clothes! In many areas, the application period begins in July!

Homeless students who receive free weekly tutoring from School on Wheels (in California) can also receive backpacks and school supplies! The agency will also assist with helping families locate lost school records and assist with school enrollment.

The United Way has offices across the country. Many of them organize school supply drives for their local communities! For more information on these programs, you will need to contact your local United Way office.

You can find FREE back to school clothes!

Clothing is one of the most expensive parts of the back-to-school preparation. If your child is in need of an affordable school wardrobe (or school uniforms), check out these helpful resources:

Clothing swaps are a great place to find affordalble, gently used clothing. Bring what you don’t need – take home what you do!

Cragislist, Freecycle and local “Buy Nothing” groups are great places to find free clothing also.

Teachers can get free supplies, too!

The Kids in Need Foundation provides two large boxes of essential items (like pencils, scissors, paper and notebooks) to teachers who serve in communities where at least 70% of the students receive free or reduced price lunches. Supplies are limited! Apply here by August 14!

AdobeStock 106012092 back to school

You can get MORE free school supplies and clothes in your local community!

There are many nationwide organizations (such as Office Depot) that assemble backpacks for local communities. However, these organizations send those supplies to local community action agencies, who then pass the supplies on to local families.

The best place to find FREE school supplies is to search in your local area. There are many local events and donation programs that gather these supplies for low income families.

Here are the areas we’ve researched so far:

Alabama

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Illinois

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Texas

Utah

Washington

Washington DC

If your area isn’t listed here, you can still get help!

Our research team is happy to help you locate resources in your local area. Just leave us a comment below and tell us where to look! We’ll add it to our research list and get that information published as soon as we can.

However, we do have an extensive reader request list and may not be able to get this information to you before the next school season. So, to ensure that everyone is able to get the help they need, I’m going to teach you how to do what we do!

Step One: Check with the United Way.

When we receive a request for information, the United Way 211 directory is the first place we go. The United Way maintains extensive lists of local resources and usually offers these directories online. Sometimes, you may need to call 211 or chat with a resource specialist in order to access this information.

Step Two: Perform some Google searches.

Use quotation marks to search for exact phrases. Use “free school supplies” or “backpacks” or “back to school events” to find school supply distribution programs. Be sure to include your city and state in the search!

For example, you could type something like these into the Google search bar (substituting your city and state, of course):

  • “free school supplies” Sacramento CA
  • Sacramento CA “back to school events”

Step Three: Call your local Community Action Council, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and other major charitable organizations. 

These agencies are often aware and informed of events and distributions that are taking place. By touching base with your prominent local charities, you may discover lesser-known programs that can help.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Hello, were in the process of being evicted ( have to be out this week) my boys(12+14) start school on August 21st and i have no money for anything. We need both school supplies and school clothes. We currently live in Arlington tx. Any help with resources in my area would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

    Reply

  9. I have 4 kids in the Warren, Arkansas and have had to move 5 times in a year due to lack of work to support our household or any necessities suck as clothes shoes or supplies for back to school for any of them. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated

    Thank you,
    Laci Fitzgibbon

    Reply

    • Hey, Gens! Do you need help in New York City or a different city in New York state? I just wanted to confirm before I start researching this for you. 🙂

      Reply

  11. Hi my is Juanita. I live gallopolis Ohio and I need help with school supplies, backbags and clothes for boys. Thank you

    Reply

  12. Hello angel. My daughter and grandchildren r having a financial issue. With getting their school supplies and clothing and shoes for this school year. I am on disability and can’t help out financially. I can’t find any organizations where we live to help out. Cud u send me some places in or around where we live to look into for the help. Thank you sweetheart, have a wonderful, safe and a very GODLY BLESSED DAY!!!!!!!

    Reply

  15. Do you know of any places near Commerce City Colorado? We need for supplies and backpacks for 2 high schoolers girl and boy, 1 middle school boy , and 1 elementary boy. Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  16. My Daughter And Her Son Are Now Living With Me , I Am On A Fixed Income, And Buying School Supplies Isn’t In My Budget. I Need Help With This. We Live In BAY Minette, Al 36507, Which You May Not Reach Out This Far. But Thanks, And I’ll Be Waiting For Your Response. PAT G.

    Reply

  21. Hi do you know of any places that will help with school supplies and backpacks in the Webster Dickinson League City Texas area?

    Reply

  22. Hey Nicole. How about Auburn WA? My little guy is going in to fourth grade this year. I have already tried the buy nothing website. My financial situation took a turn for the worst because of health issues beyond my control. This whole situation has been a very humbling experience. Thank you in advance.

    Reply

  23. I have 3 children that I need help with school supplies and clothes this year. I live in Arlington, tx which is tarrant county and I’d greatly appreciate any information you can find available.

    Thank you very much
    ~BRiTaNii

    Reply

  26. Hello my name is Jessica White, I am married and have been for 8 years, we have 3 children, I have been diagnosed with pancreatitis and have been unable to work, my husband does what he can working full time of course at his job. He makes all the money right now. I need help. We do. Our kids go to private school for our religious beliefs. Were Christians. We pay out of pocket of course. Three kids. It’s tough. Plus there is not a lunch program so We have to pack lunches for them all too. We need clothes supplies and food. My oldest daughter she’s 10 almost 11 in 5th grade. My son is 8 in 2nd. And another, my youngest daughter is 6 in 1st. Any way u can help or let me know where or what I can do. I live in north east Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thank you for ur time and support

    Reply

  29. Hi im in Flatrock Michigan im in need of school supplies and clothing for a high school student can you please help point me in the right direction?
    Thank you in Advance

    Reply

  31. Hi nicole! My name is Ronda i have two kids one boy 11yrs old just started 6th grade and my daughter is 12 in 7th grade amd i had stroke and so i am in recovery and now my daughter had what we thought was a sprain in her left ankle and foot and we found out shes got the same thing i do in which i am disabled from its called neuropathy its really bad and just went to the dr there gonna go some tests and procedures but he pretty much said theres nothing more they can do which will continue to progress its to do w the nerves and muscles its kills them off anyways we have gone thru so much and i am on disability and stuff and i have no way to pay for school supplies and clothes and shoes and which they both need clothes and shoes and there gonna need all winter stuff coats boots jackets gloves and snowpants for my son since my daughter is laid up but if u could please help us i know that its already school time but like i said weve been so busy that i totally forgot about all this and school u know so if u can please help us out it would really apperciate it and if theres and resources for a new laptop for my daughters homeschooling amd needs stuff for that too we live in white bear lake mn 55110 in and around the twins cities and ramsey county that would really help us out thanks and look forward to hearing back from u i hope that i can still find stuff since they just started school on the 5th i hope i didnt lose out on everything when we so need the help……thanks talk more soon i hope thanks again…..Ronda and the kids

    Reply

  32. Hi I live in Wetumka Oklahoma. I have a 5 year old daughter in Pre-K who really needs clothes for school. We just moved here and I haven’t found a job yet. Its starting to cool down here and she only has 1 pair of jeans

    Reply

  33. My Friend and I are starting a nonprofit, we want to supply school supplies to schools in poor neighborhoods free of charge. Do you know of places we could partner with to assist in this cause?

    Reply

    • That is so awesome, Tee!!! I’m sure any one of the agencies we’ve written about in this series would love to partner with you. Thank you so much for being willing to help those who need it. Once you guys are operational, let us know so we can add your nonprofit as a resource!

      Reply

  35. Hi, I know that a new school year is still 4 months away (for me) but I’m trying to get a list of organizations together in advance because I am fighting with disability and don’t see being approved before school ends and begins again… I live in West Columbia, SC 29170. Any help for the Lexington, SC or Columbia, SC would be awesome! I have a 10yr old that will need clothes and supplies if available.. Thanks in advance!!

    Reply

  37. Hi I receive the ebt link card and am going back to school and I need someone to donate me a laptop. I dont have money to buy one because am also unemployed but am looking for work I dont have no car either so if I can get help get a free car I would appreciate. That as well you can con

    Reply

  38. I am a 52 year old single disabled mom with a soon to be 13 yr old son. I am under Dr’s orders for no work. My SSD is on appeal.

    This school year was rough. I reached out everywhere for help for clothes. Anyway, he had 2 jeans and 5 t-shirts. He was constantly teased about wearing the same thing. He us bullied continuously for that and scar on forehead.

    I wish I could afford to let him pick out an outfit for his 7/29 birthday. He will be 13. I have been unable to work since 2013. I have to get his clothes second hand. It is hard to find his size at churches, CAM, Salvation Army and Goodwill. He varies; usually youth 14H pant 18-20shorts some shirts. T-shirts usually a small mens.

    Please can you help. All summer clothes out grown. Two pairs of jeans have holes.(being pushed down. ) He outgrew his favorite black with red puma hoodie and the plain black hoodie got torn bad by a bully at school. I have no way to afford any clothes. No vehicle to get around after uninsured driver totalled. I can not walk to bus stop. Extremely hard this year even for food this summer.

    Reply

    • Oh, Teresa! I’m so sorry. This is so heartbreaking. I have a 12 year old son and I can just imagine how difficult this must be for both of you. :'(

      It sounds like you’ve looked into a lot of community resources already but if you let me know your county/state or zip code, I can do additional research and see if I can find another organization that can help. The United Way is also a good resource for finding specific items, like clothing. :\

      Reply

  39. Hi.. i leave in Huattsville Maryland i have kids i would love to know where can i get free suplies gor them thnks God Bless you!!

    Reply

    • Hi, Claudia! I’ve added that to our research list. Our writers will investigate and see what’s available in your area… and we’ll try to have that information published for you just as soon as we can. Thank you!

      Reply

  40. Hi, we live near Portland Oregon. When you have time, we could use some assistance with locating school supply assistance for The year coming. Thank you so much!

    Reply

  41. I need help in gainesville georgia with school supplies and clothes and home repairs my houseis falling apart around us!

    Reply

    • Hey, Jody! I’m so sorry. I’ve added your area to our research list for both school supplies/clothes and home repair. We’ll get that information published for you as soon as we can. 🙂

      Reply

    • I would love to, Eunice! We have four researchers trying to balance the workload of this entire site, so we can’t do a full state at a time. What county in Illinois can we research for you?

      Reply

    • Hey, Misty! Thanks for letting me know. I’ve added that to our research list and we’ll get that information as soon as we can. 🙂

      Reply

  45. HI! I wanted to thank you for all of the AMAZING resources you have compiled- you are truly doing some SERIOUS good in the world!!
    I am curious if there are any resources available in the Williamson county, TX area? Travis County (Austin, TX area) might be helpful too- but because of where to county line divides the general area it can get really tricky when programs have strict residency requirements.
    Thank you again for being such an amazingly thoughtful person- please keep up your wonderful work!!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much for leaving that sweet comment! Comments like that always brighten my day. 🙂 I’ve added both counties to our research list. We’ll get that info completed as soon as we can!

      Reply

  46. Hi my name is Felicia I live in indiana anderson indiana. I was wondering if you know anything about any places that help single moms here thank you

    Reply

    • Hi, Felicia! What specifically would you like help with? It’s a lot easier for us to identify assistance by specific need than by general eligibility criteria. However, if you’re looking for every agency that serves single moms in your area, the United Way probably has a list. They’re very good at keeping and organizing their resource lists. 🙂

      Reply

  49. I live in Saraland, Al which is right on the outskirts of Mobile County. I have 3 children (8th grade, 6th grade, and 4th grade). I have been trying to locate places that will help me get school supplies and school uniforms, but have been unsuccessful. My husband and myself are unemployed and are unable to ask any family for assistance. Can you please help me to find places to help us with this.
    Thanks so much!

    Reply

  50. Hey Nicole I’m a 45 yr old single disabled mom of three school age girls from new iberia,la70560
    Our great flood of 2016 not only pretty much left us distrot n home is deteriating by the days applied for fema was denied also restore la denied.no repairs were ever able to get dine yet inspecyorssaid No one should be in home because our medical conditions…. seeing if u could help me find some guidance n gain back our lives????
    Also yes school is a definite demand n scream for us to get help w two for the girls r honor roll students.one thing I don’t agree w is alk these school activities they earn we have to pay for yet in out situation we can’t so their for I feel I can’t reward my kids for good grades n accomplishments….. everyday expences n bill are a very vital yet critical part of our lives and a parent on the edge of how we gonna get threw to next month is not helping me at all.. any info about any and all would be extremely helpful n appericated

    Reply

  51. Can you look up for Altoona pa. I know a lot is people who would need help with school supplies and clothes. Thanks.

    Reply

  52. Hello I’m a single mother of four girls an it’s been a hard time for me for a while now back to school I s around the corner if there is any one please help me an my girls .Thanks an go bless you

    Reply

    • Hi, Quina! I’m happy to look into that for you. I’ll need to know what county and state you live in so I can add that area to our research list.

      Reply

  53. In northern Idaho (specifically Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, WA- the Palouse region) the Kiwanis Club runs a “Stuff the Bus”. They collect school supplies and backpacks, then put them together- so if you need stuff for Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and high school Sophomore, all with radically different school supplies lists, they will provide 3 different packs, each with the full list of supplies inside.

    Reply

      • Good afternoon, I have 4 children 1 in middle school, 2 going to High school and 1 starting Fayetteville NC community college and I have not and will have a difficult getting them school supplies and clothing for this upcoming school year we were victims of a neighbor exposing himself and masterbating in back of house while children played I called police and individual was arrested a few days later his wife and daughter threatened with stabbing to cut, stab n burn down my house. We had to move in fear of this happening now i find myself with no money to get the children school stuff, I humble ask is there anyway I’m i able to get a referral for any organization involved in assisting with school items etc in Cumberland county. The only assistance I get is food stamps and Medicaid and foodstamps go quick with the children been home on school break. Please help us with anything that is available please. Thank you and God bless you.

        Reply

  56. Unfortunately, I am currently not working, due to lack of work (temp layoff, indefinite). My fiancee was just laid off, as well. We are both trying gto see if we can get any type of work in the mean time,I but it won’t be in time.

    Not are we being evicted from our home by June 30, I do not have the means to buy school supplies, uniforms and shoes for my boys this year. I’m totally devastated over this.

    My boys are 10 (5th) and 13 (7th) years old. They have totally grown out of their clothes, especially that my 10 yr old is bigger than my 13 yr old. They have been only wearing one pair of shoes that they have now destroyed.

    It’s hard enough on my boys to have to go through losing our home. I would love to give them a peace of mind of knowing they will have good basic things that they need to start the year confidently.

    If there is anything you can assist with, please let me know. We need an angel at this point.

    Thank you,

    Farah Borden

    Reply

    • Hi, Farah! I’m so sorry that you guys are going through such a hard time right now. We process school supplies requests by county. Which county and state can we research for you?

      Reply

  59. Could you look into Brooklyn New York please? I am a single mother of 13yr old twins boy/girl and middle school has become the most expensive yet. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and thank you for your advice. I’m going to start looking right now

    Reply

  61. I’m really needing help with back to school supplies and clothes we are having a rough time we just had to move we live in Anderson county, Tn

    Reply

    • Hey, Amber! I’ve added Anderson County to our research list. We have three researchers working on this list now, so hopefully we’ll get to it soon!

      Reply

  63. Hi I live in Washington PA and I’m raising my granddaughter and I was wondering if there is a place where I can get help with clothes and school supplies I’m on a fixed income and I don’t make enough

    Reply

    • Hi, Suesann! We’ll do our best to find some help for you. I’ve added that to our research list and we’ll get that information for you as soon as we can.

      Reply

  65. Iam a single mother of 2 girls 14,10 and Iam looking for info about where i can get some help with back to school stuff for my 2 girls. Elysburg pa thank u

    Reply

    • Hi, Jenny! I’ve let the research team know we need some info in your area. They’ll get that information published here as soon as they can! 🙂

      Reply

    • Hey, Dotti! We’ve had several requests from this area. I’ve let the research team know. We should have that information available within the next two weeks or so! 🙂

      Reply

    • Hi, Dominic! I’ve added that to our research list. We’re working as hard as we can to catch up on these requests. We’ll have that information for you as soon as we can!

      Reply

  68. Looking for help in Munfordville, Kentucky with back to school supplies and possibly clothes also! I have 3 children starting school this year and desperately need help. Thank you in advance!

    Reply

  69. I have a 5 year old daughter who is starting kindergarten this year. We have bothing for her and really need some help. We live in Washington, north carolina.

    Reply

  71. Hey Nicole do you know of any program Alameda County or Oakland California that helps with school supplies and clothing

    Reply

    • Hi, Yadira! I don’t know of any yet but we will find some! I’ve got that on the list, so we should have that information for you very soon. Check back in a week or two. 🙂

      Reply

  72. I live in Dixon Montana can u help find the closest assistance places near me. As my town has only 2 streets.

    Reply

  73. My name is Carol and I am a single grandmother of 4 ages 12, 11, 9 and 3. We live in Ringgold Georgia and in need of school supplies abd clothes. Please Thanks for your time

    Reply

  74. Hi Nicole I’m also a single mom living in Baltimore Md.it’s really been hard since i had to help my son leave for college it took everything i had please help Thank you,Maxine

    Reply

  77. My name is Tish and I have a 5, 9 and 11 year old. I have been battleing cancer and really havent had the energy or money to get my 3 munchkins ready for school. I need help with clothes and backpacks for my kids. I live in Venice, Florida and just got outta the hoapital. Any help will do. Thanks so much for your time.

    Reply

  78. I don’t see any resources for ND. I tried looking on the United Way website, but maybe I just didn’t navigate it correctly because I couldn’t find anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

    Reply

  80. Looking for someone to help with school supplies for my 4 kids. I am a single mom getting no financial help from my ex husband. Three of the kids are in middle school and one going into 1st grade. The kids grew like weeds this summer so will need new clothes. We live by Eau Claire Wisconsin. Thank you

    Reply

  81. Hello Nicole,

    My name is Jessica. Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to help other families in need, it’s truly appreciated and amazing to see how many other’s whom you have given your time and effort towards!
    I hope you can help my son 4 who will be in K4, Daughter 15 who will be in 10th grade, and son 11 who will start 6th his first year in middle school.
    I’m a single Mother, unfortunately my health has been at a downward spiral the last couple of years and I can no longer work and I’m trying to get Disability which I really don’t want to, but I need to think of my children and support them the best way I can do at this time.
    We live in Milwaukee, WI. Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Hi, Jessica! I’ve added your area to our research list. We still have hundreds of areas left to research, so we’re not going to be able to get them all done in time for this back-to-school season. However, if you contact Milwaukee’s IMPACT 211 line, they may be able to help you connect with other resources in your area. Here’s a link to their service -> http://www.impactinc.org/impact-2-1-1/ I’m so sorry! I hope this helps. <3

      Reply

  86. Hello Nicole,

    I need school supplies, and I live in Ahoskie, North Carolina in Hertford county. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Have a blessed weekend

    God bless you,

    Blessings,

    Thank you,

    Sincerely,

    Celes Mickle,

    Reply

      • Hello Riley,

        What is the update on finding school supplies for me in Ahoskie, North Carolina in Hertford County? I thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

        God bless you,

        Blessings,

        Celes Mickle,

        Reply

        • Celes,
          I double checked and it is still on our research list. We are working as quickly as we can to get through all the requests we have received. We appreciate your patience. Thanks.
          -Riley

          Reply

  89. I need to know where to get free school supplies in Jackson County Newport Arkansas. I know it’s a little late but I wasn’t aware my 11 year old decided he wanted to live with me instead of my aunt that has had him. I’m currently without transportation also. Thanks in advance.

    Reply

  91. Hello and good morning, I live in Erie, PA with my four children, three that are in school, two in middle school and one in high school. Was wondering about info on free backpacks/school supplies and free school uniforms in my area. Thank you so much in advance.

    Thank you,
    Jennifer Davis-Hull

    Reply

    • Christina,
      We don’t have any resources that give out new clothes. You could try 211.org for more resources in your area. Or check with some local churches, they sometimes have clothing sheds for families in need. I hope this helps.
      -Riley

      Reply

  93. Hi i live in Lake Butler florida. i stumbled across this site and i pray it can help. I just started a work from home customer service job but i have togo through 7 weeks of classes and training before i can start making any money and when that comes i have to play the make up games to try and get caught up on everything. I have 2 starting 1st grade this year and with everything that been goin on i havnt had the resources to get my children what they need, i have no family here except my mom and her health isn’t that good, I couldn’t even get them something for their birthdays which was last week because i had to make a choice on getting them a present or putting food on the table, of course i know feeding them is more important but to a 6 year old they don’t understand. Is there anything in my area that i could check into and get their school supplies and some cloths? Thank you in advance

    Reply

    • Everything that we have here is listed. However. I will make sure we add this to the research list. Thank you! – Hannah

      Reply

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