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!
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!
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:
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Texas
Washington
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.
Hi wanted to see if you could help me with the free school supplies im in sylmar,california
Hi, Leanna! I’m still waiting on several replies from different agencies so I expect to have more information for you soon. In the meantime, you can click here to see all the information I’ve found so far. Thanks!
hello i live in San Benito Texas 78586 i need 3 backpack, school supplies and clothing.
Hi, Selena! I’ve been working on your list today. I have emailed many agencies and I’m waiting for replies, so hopefully I’ll have more info for you soon. In the meantime, you can click here to see all the information I’ve found for school supplies so far Hopefully I’ll hear back soon from the other agencies so I can add more information for you. 🙂
Please search in Charlotte nc for school supplies and clothes
Hey, Robin! Here’s everything we found in Charlotte! There’s a few great events coming up in your area. I hope you’re able to find the help you need! Be sure to share this with anyone else who may need it. 🙂 Thanks so much!
Looking for help in getting an apartment?
Hey, Rhonda! I would love to help you with this but my workload is crazy right now. I have a lot of requests I’m working on and it could be a while before I’m able to get this information to you. The best and fastest way to get this information would be to contact your local United Way. They keep a great list of helpful agencies that can help you get into a place!
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.
Hey, Tiffany! That sounds so stressful. I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that! <3 Click here to see a list of all the agencies that can help you. If you hurry, you can register for this event on Saturday and your kids will each receive a free backpack full of supplies, a free hair cut and more. 🙂
I live in Beach park Illinois i have 3 boys. They need book bags
Hey, Tiara! I found 3 agencies that might be able to help. I specifically reached out to Catholic Charities. They don’t typically do school supplies but they said they should be able to help you with those book bags! 🙂
Can you please tell me where to get supplies and clothes in Houston TX
Hi, Myracle! There’s some really amazing programs in your area! To make it as easy as possible for everyone to find this information, I added it all to our Texas map at TX.GetHelpMap.com! Just click here to see the agencies that can assist you with supplies and clothes in Houston. Thanks for asking – and have a great day! =D
I live in concord and need clothes and school supplies for my son who is going into 2nd grade. Tia
Hey, Dona! I just want to confirm which Concord I need to research for you. I’m assuming Massachusetts, right? 🙂
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
Hey, Laci! I’m so sorry that you’re struggling. Here’s a list of all the resources I was able to find for you. Best of luck to you! 🙂
I need to know for new york . I have 2kids one us going in to 3rd other kids is going in to 10th
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. 🙂
Hi my is Juanita. I live gallopolis Ohio and I need help with school supplies, backbags and clothes for boys. Thank you
Hey, Juanita! I’m still waiting for emails from the school district and a local resource center, so hopefully we can make this list a little longer in the next few days. In the meantime, though, here’s everything I was able to find in the Gallipolis area.
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!!!!!!!
Hey, Melissa! I’m so glad you asked. There are a TON of free school supplies events in your area this weekend! Click here for a list of all the agencies and events that can help. I’ve edited your comment to remove your personal contact info for your safety. I hope that you’re able to find something here that helps! Have a very wonderful and blessed day too! 🙂
I live in Lakewood Ohio looking for help with school cloths and supplies. Thankyou
Hey, Jennifer! Click here for everything I was able to find in Lakewood and the nearby area. Thanks for asking! 🙂
My name is Celestine I live in Arleta California my daughter and son need school supplies!
Hi Celestine! You can click here to see a map & list of all the agencies we found in your area that assist with school supplies. 🙂
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.
Hello, Anahi! Here’s everything I was able to find near Commerce City, CO. I hope it helps! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.
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.
Hello, Pat! I’m so sorry for the delay in answering this. Here are a list of providers that should be able to help with this. Typically, each school is also equipped with a counselor who can connect the student with resources for school supplies. My apologies for the delay!
I need school supplies and clothes for my 3 high schoolers. We live near Saginaw, midland, and bay city in Freeland Michigan.
Hey, Amy! Here’s everything I was able to find near Freeland, Saginaw, Midland and Bay City. I hope you’re able to find some help from some of these agencies. Thanks for asking and have a wonderful day! 🙂
Hi. I’m in El Paso Texas. Single momma of two boys. In need of school supplies.
Hey, Shay! I found a TON of help for you in El Paso! Click here to see the list. Thanks for asking – and be sure to share this info with anyone else who may need it! Thanks! 🙂
Hey i love in suffolk county ny in long island in need of clothing and supplies for 3 little boys
Hey, Jamie! I have NEVER found an area with so many resources before! Here’s a list of almost 50 places you can find free school supplies and/or clothing in your area. Thanks for asking – and please share this list with anyone who needs it! 🙂
I live in Newark Ohio an I missed the school supplies drive for my children..is there any were else that can help me?
Hey, Crystal! Here’s everything I was able to find in the Newark area. Thanks for asking! I hope something works out for you. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with!
Hi do you know of any places that will help with school supplies and backpacks in the Webster Dickinson League City Texas area?
Hi, Codie! I’ve reached out to a few organizations and I’m waiting on replies. In the meantime, here’s what I’ve been able to find so far. Hopefully, I’ll be able to add to this list when I get those emails back! 🙂
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.
Hey, Bonnie! Thanks for asking! I love researching resources in my native Washington. Here’s everything I was able to find in Auburn. If there’s anything else I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to let me know! 🙂
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
Hi Brittani! You can click here to see a list of all the agencies we found near Arlington that may be able to help with school supplies. If you scroll past the map, you’ll see a list. 🙂
Hi I Need School supplies and Uniform in South gate ca
Hi, Rosie! Here’s everything I was able to find in the South Gate area! Thanks for asking. 🙂
I have 6 boys.. I live in Buffalo N.Y….they r in need of school supplies and clothes
Hey, Trisha! Here’s everything I found in Buffalo. I just finished it and wanted to let you know ASAP because there’s an event going on tomorrow where you should be able to get some help! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help! 🙂
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
Hi, Jessica! Thank you for reaching out. I’m so sorry that your family is going through such a hard time right now! I’m always happy to help. Here’s what I found for school supplies and clothing. I’ll do another search for food and stuff but I wanted to get this to you as quickly as I could. 🙂
Hey! Here’s a list of food resources in your area. I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you need anything else, just let me know! 🙂
need help with school uniforms in San Diego CA please and thank you
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get this to you sooner, Rocio! Here’s a list of helpful agencies in San Diego. I know it’s a little late but you should be able to get some help from Operation Schoolbell at least. 🙂
Single grandma raising 2 in Aiken, SC. Help with clothing and DIAPERS would be awesome. Thanks!
Hi, Jenni! I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get this information to you sooner. You can click here for a list of clothing resources and click here for resources that assist with children’s needs like diapers. You can also call 211 or use the live chat feature on either of those pages to find more resources from your local Aiken United Way. Have a very wonderful day! <3
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
Hey, Karrie! Here’s what I was able to find in the Flat Rock area. Thanks for asking! Have a wonderful day. 🙂
I would like to know more about free supplies in royal oak Michigan area
Hi Charlene! Thanks for asking. Here’s the list I just finished about Royal Oak. I especially love the free music instrument loans for Charity Music! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
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
Hi, Ronda! I’m so sorry that you are having such a hard time right now. I’m honored to be able to help you with some of these needs. You can click here to find all the school supplies and clothing resources I found. Here’s what I know about finding cheap laptops and computers. I sincerely hope that some of these agencies are able to help you and if there’s anything else I can do for you, please just let me know! Have a wonderful, blessed day!
Hey, Ronda! Here’s a list of resources that might be able to help your family with Christmas this year! Have a great day. 🙂
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
Hey, Falen! Here’s a list of clothing banks nearest to you, organized by location. I hope things improve for you soon! <3
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?
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!
Can you research a list for San francisco, Ca? Would be really helpful to be prepared for the coming year. TIA!
Hey, Jessica! I’ve got that on the research list now. Thanks!
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!!
Way to be prepared, Dedra! We’ll get that information ready and published for you as soon as we can!
i was wondering if you could help with with school stuff for my 5 year old special needs daughter in union city indiana
Hi, Jessica! We love to help with that. I’ve added it to our research list. 🙂
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
Hi, Gwendolyn! As an information service, we don’t donate items ourselves. However, you can click here to see everything I know about how to get a free or low-cost laptop and click here to see everything I know about getting help with a car. I hope this helps!
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.
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. :\
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!!
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!
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!
Hey, Keya! I’ve added that to the research list and we’ll get that information for you as soon as we can. 🙂
I need help in gainesville georgia with school supplies and clothes and home repairs my houseis falling apart around us!
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. 🙂
Are you able to look up information on Illinois please
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?
I live in fallscreek pa I need help with both thanks
Hi, Nancy! I’ve added that to our research list. We’ll do our best to get this information published as soon as we can. 🙂
I live in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
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. 🙂
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!!
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!
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
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. 🙂
How about Walla Walla and Columbia Counties in Washington state?
Great question, Destiny! I’ll add that to our research list and we’ll see what we can find. 🙂
Please help me find places to help w backpacks & school supplies in Pittsburgh-PA!!! THANK YOU
Hi, Jamie! I’ve added that to our research list. We’ll get that information for you as soon as we can. 🙂