Looking for free school supplies and back to school clothes in Buffalo, NY? We’re happy to help. I did some searches for this information and this is what I found.
Free School Supplies in Buffalo
I’m Livin B provides free school supplies and backpacks for school-aged children during a once-a-year event. This event usually takes place in late August or early September. In recent years, the event has expanded to include free hair cuts, free T-shirts and other services as well.
Salvation Army provides material assistance, counseling, food, and other services to those in the Buffalo area. School supplies and backpacks are distributed once per year in early September. You must go through an intake process at the 960 Main Street location in Buffalo in order to receive help. Call (716) 883-9800 for details.
Verizon Wireless and the Cellular Connection give away thousands of backpacks every year! There are over 1,000 locations around the US that participate. This event takes place in late July every year and offers one free backpack full of supplies for each child.
WNYHeroes Inc provides help for veterans and their families (including widows/children of deceased veterans). They provide school supplies, holiday gifts, and more. For school supplies, you will need to provide a school supply list and a DD-214 (or military ID). Get started by filling out the application form on their website.
WNY Back to School Bash provides free backpacks, school supplies, food, bounce house, face painting and more fun for kids. This event takes place in late August each year.
Free School Supplies for Teachers
There are also additional organizations that allow teachers to pick up free school supplies for their students. These organizations do not provide items to families directly. This is why it’s always important to reach out to your school for additional assistance. Some of the organizations that provide supplies directly to schools and classrooms include:
- The Teacher’s Desk provides approximately $1,000 in free school supplies to each teacher who shops there. Any teacher who has onsite classroom/office space in a school where at least 70% of the students participate in the free/reduced lunch programs can shop here. Tell your teacher!
Other Ways to Get Free School Supplies
There are some nationwide organizations that help students in all states. You can find the programs that do this in our nationwide list.
There may be other ways to get free school supplies in Buffalo as well. The following organizations have provided this service in the past. We weren’t able to confirm their participation for the upcoming school year on their website, but it may be reaching out to them if you need additional assistance.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo has provided free school supplies, backpacks, day camps, leadership development programs, after-school programs and more in the past. This organization serves boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 18 years. You usually need to be a Club member, but scholarships are usually available if you can’t afford it. You usually need to fill out an application in the office to receive supplies.
Free School Clothes & Uniforms
Emergency Services Division provides clothing, food, financial assistance, emergency shelter and more to Erie County residents. You will need to apply on the Community Action Organization of WNY page to get started.
Grace Lutheran Church provides clothing, food, and other assistance people who need a little extra help. Items available vary depending on donations and may include shoes, coats and other items.
Hearts for the Homeless of WNY provides clothing and food for students who are homeless or just struggling financially.
Salvation Army provides clothing, household goods, personal care items, food, Christmas assistance and Neighbor to Neighbor fuel assistance.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides clothing, household items, furniture and appliances to West NY residents. You’ll need to call and undergo an intake process to receive help. It can take three to four weeks depending on your requests.
St Lukes Mall provides clothing, small appliances and household wares. You can take one bag of clothing per day!
Urban Christian Ministries offers free clothing and food for everyone who resides in their ministry area. They also offer free student camps and other services as well.
West Side Family Center provides many supportive services for West Side families. They may be able to help you with clothing, food and more.
Other Student Support Services
Citizens Community Development Corp provides a community food pantry. They also have a monthly food truck with free fruits and vegetables! All Buffalo residents can be served here but you must provide photo ID and proof of address.
City Mission provides food, shelter assistance and holiday help for people in the Buffalo area. Free clothing and food are distributed every Tuesday and Thursday between 8am and 12pm.
Friends of Night People provides food, homeless help, and medical services to the working poor and the homeless.
Relief Recap
As you can see, the Buffalo community is dedicated to supporting its students and families. The generosity of local organizations and individuals ensures that everyone has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Don’t hesitate to contact the providers on this list for assistance.