Back-to-school season is here and we’ve found free school supplies near Cleveland, Ohio! Cuyahoga County has a wealth of resources to help with the cost of school supplies, so whether you’re in Lakewood, Cleveland, or the surrounding area, we’ve found resources that can help you.
Government Programs
There are many government programs that help low income families afford the cost of school supplies. If you’re participating in means-tested government programs like Medicaid or the National School Lunch Program, you may qualify for extra relief!
Ohio School Supplies Laws
Ohio law (Section 3313.642) aims to ensure that all students have the necessary materials to participate fully in their classes, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Here’s what you need to know:
- Free Supplies for Students in Need: Ohio schools are not required to provide free school supplies to all students. However, they are required to make provisions for students experiencing serious financial hardship. This means that if you’re struggling to afford supplies, reach out to your child’s school to discuss options.
- No Fees for Students Eligible for Free Lunch: If your child qualifies for free lunch under federal guidelines, the school cannot charge them any fees for materials required for classroom instruction. This includes basic supplies like notebooks, pens, and folders.
- Fees for Extracurriculars and Career Tech: The law does allow schools to charge fees for extracurricular activities (like sports or clubs) and specialized tools or equipment used in career-technical education programs.
- What to Do If You Can’t Afford Fees: If you can’t afford required school fees, contact the school administration or counselor. They may be able to offer assistance or direct you to community resources.
Ohio law recognizes the importance of equal access to education for all students. If you’re facing financial challenges, don’t hesitate to advocate for your child and explore the resources available to you.
Medicaid Allowances
Some Medicaid plans provide free school supplies to eligible K12 students. In our report about surprising Medicaid freebies, we found plans in several states that provide up to $50 per year in free school supplies. You may also qualify for other perks, such as a $30 over-the-counter allowance, as well.
In order to find out if your Medicaid plan covers school supplies, you’ll need to read your benefits paperwork. Look for any fine print about additional benefits, non-medical assistance, or supplemental benefits. This is typically where you’ll find information about extras like school supplies or over-the-counter allowances.
You can also contact your Medicaid plan’s Member Services department directly. They can clarify what your plan covers and how to access any available benefits.
Keep in mind that these benefits can vary widely from state to state, and even between different Medicaid plans within the same state. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all your options to ensure your child gets the resources they need to succeed in school.
Charities that Provide Free School Supplies
There are several charities that provide free school supplies and other support for low income students in the Cleveland area. If you have a student in Cuyahoga County, make sure to check these out!
- Esperanza hosts an annual Back to School celebration that distributes free school supplies. They also offer one-on-one tutoring for students who participate in their Esperanza Youth programs.
- Love INC often provides free school supplies through their various programs. Check with Love INC of Cuyahoga County for details.
For even more ways to get free school supplies near you, check out our list of nationwide Back to School resources! Some of those providers, including The Cellular Connection, provide free school supplies in your area.
Free School Supplies for Teachers
There are organizations that provide free school supplies for teachers in the Cleveland area. Make sure to let your child’s teachers know about these incredible resources!
- Cleveland Kids in Need: This program provides free school supplies to teachers in the Cleveland area. Each year, this program provides more than $1 million in free school supplies.
- Supplies 4 Success is an annual school supply drive in Lakewood. This is run by the Lakewood Congregational Church and the United Church of Christ. They donate the school supplies directly to area schools, so you will need to contact your school’s Parent Resource Coordinator for more information.
You can find even more ways that teachers can get free school supplies in our nationwide Back to School giveaway list.
Other Back to School Resources
There are other resources available that may be able to help your family as well! If you’re interested in free school supplies, you may also be able to benefit from these programs:
- Malachi Center provides many essential adult, children and family services including clothing, after-school programs and holiday assistance. Clothing items are distributed on the third Saturday of the month by appointment.
- Mega Resource Center provides free clothing as well as emergency food, benefits assistance, emergency assistance and referrals.
- Redeemer Crisis Center provides many important services, including family food bags, free clothing, household goods, parent classes, baby items, ethnic cooking classes, summer youth programs, a community garden and Holiday Bags.
- Salvation Army can provide vouchers for free clothing from their thrift stores. They also provide a food bank. Service hours may vary. The agency is located at 12645 Lorain Ave. in Cleveland.
- St. Vincent de Paul may provide food, clothing and emergency assistance to families in need. They also maintain a detailed list of other resource programs in your area.
Relief Recap
With a little research and effort, you can equip your child for a successful school year without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s always worth checking with local organizations, schools, and community resources as they may have additional programs or supplies available that aren’t widely advertised. Don’t hesitate to ask for help – supporting our students is a community effort!