Do you live in South Gate, CA, and are looking for where to get free school supplies this school year? Look no further.
School supplies are essential for an effective school season. However, these supplies can be expensive, especially when you’re barely making ends meet.
Thankfully, it is against California state law for a school to penalize a student who cannot afford school supplies. But while there may be provisions in the school budgets for supplies, they are often limited.
In this post, you’ll discover the best places to get free school supplies in South Gate, CA. Let’s dive in!
Free School Supplies from the Government
There are government-funded programs in South Gate, CA that assist with free school supplies for children. Check below for more information.
Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Annual BackPack Giveaway
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) holds an annual backpack giveaway where backpacks full of school supplies are distributed to low-income families. These backpacks usually contain pens, crayons, pencils, binders, and other fundamental school supplies.
This program is open to children in kindergarten to grade 12 from low-income families on government assistance. You can apply by calling 1-866-613-3777
Los Angeles United School District Homeless Education Program
The Los Angeles United District Homeless Education Program provides backpacks, school supplies, clothing, transportation assistance, and more to homeless children who attend the Los Angeles Unified School District.
For more information on the program, including how to enroll, you can contact Denise Miranda via email at denise.miranda@lausd.net or call 213-241-3840 to contact the LAUSD Homeless Education Office for assistance.
Churches & Charities that Offer Free School Supplies
A few non-government organizations in South Gate, CA offer free school supplies to kids in the community. You may be lucky to get some help from any of the organizations below.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that handles outreach programs for low-income and impoverished citizens. In LA County, they partner with several volunteers and companies to distribute school supplies to low-income families. These backpacks usually contain notebooks, highlighters, calculators, and other school supplies.
They also distribute Salvation Army hygiene kits and organize events where they give haircuts and engage students in other activities that prepare them for the school year. These events are mostly organized towards the end of summer, smack in the middle of back-to-school season.
For more information on the free school supplies and the other programs they offer, reach the nearest Salvation Army chapter at 323-587-4221.
Operation HomeFront
Operation Homefront is a non-governmental organization that provides relief and assistance to the families of military personnel. Every year, they organize the Back-to-School Brigade. This is a family event where they share backpacks filled with essential school supplies to military children from kindergarten to the 12th grade.
These events happen nationwide during the Back-to-school season. They’re usually pre-registered and the backpacks are distributed on a first-registered, first-served basis. To register for this event, your child must be DEER-enrolled and military-dependent.
We also recommend you follow their Facebook page or visit their events page for details of future events, registration criteria, and links.
United Way of Greater LA
United Way is a nationwide non-governmental organization committed to building thriving communities. They typically organize a free school supply program to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to low-income families and people in need.
In addition to backpacks, they also distribute shoes, clothes, shopping vouchers, and internet access assistance.
Their LA Chapter, United Way of Greater LA, also organizes back-to-school programs where they partner with companies and charities to provide backpacks and school supplies for students in need. For information on their programs and events, you can send an email to info@unitedwayla.org or call (213) 808-6220.
The Assistance League of Los Angeles
The Assistance League, LA organizes several programs to help low-income families and underprivileged residents have a better quality of life. One such program is Operation School Bell. Operation School Bell supplies children from pre-kindergarten to the fifth grade with backpacks, school supplies, clothes, sneakers, a book, and a small toy or board game.
They also have middle school and high school emergency closets where students at these levels of education can access an assortment of clothing, including socks, hoodies, towels, blankets, and underwear.
Assistance League, LA also has a “Foster Children’s Resource Center” that supplies foster children and youth with clothes, blankets, backpacks, and school supplies. Eligible students are identified by schools and organizations and taken to the Operation School Bell Program.
School on Wheels
School on Wheels is a charity that focuses on children from low-income families. They provide backpacks and school supplies to children who are homeless or living in shelters, motels, cars, or campgrounds. They also offer one-on-one weekly tutoring, assistance with entering school, scholarships, and parental support.
To apply, fill out the Student Information Form on their site. You can also reach them at 800-923-1100 for more information.
Churches in Los Angeles County
Some churches organize community outreaches to distribute backpacks and school supplies to students in grades K–12. These events usually happen towards the end of summer break and are typically combined with other activities like cookouts, free haircuts, games, and bouncing castles.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located in Inglewood, usually holds a Back to School community fair where they share free school supplies while offering vaccinations and medical check-ups for your kids. You can call them at (323) 7577-1739 for information on when this year’s community fair will be held.
Several Catholic charities in South Gate and LA County as a whole also organize school supply distribution programs where they share supplies like backpacks, books, pens, and bedding with community children who can’t afford them.
These charities can also help you with clothes, shoes, underwear, and blankets for your kids. You’ll find more information on their programs on the Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. They also have a directory you can use to locate the center closest to you.
Several other churches organize free school supplies programs. While these programs usually happen during the back-to-school season, it might still be difficult to keep track of them. However, you can start by asking the institutions nearest to you. Even if they don’t have any programs lined up, they might be able to direct you to one.
School District
Another great source of free school supplies is your school district. School districts usually have free supplies on hand for students who can’t afford them. In situations where the supplies are exhausted, they usually have a directory of charities and organizations that can help alleviate or reduce the cost of school supplies.
Company Events
While many companies partner with charities and NGOs to give back to the community, some organize their back-to-school programs. These events can either be drive-throughs, cookouts, or fairs. An example is the Verizon store, which organizes events annually. You have to arrive early enough, as these events are usually on a first-come, first-served basis.
Other Sources of Free Supplies Near South Gate
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you need in any of the programs above. Some neighboring areas offer other free supplies like school clothes. You can check them out, too.
Volunteer League of San Fernando Valley
The Volunteer League of San Fernando Valley provides backpacks, school uniforms, and other essentials to students in the Los Angeles United School District. Their biggest ongoing project, Center Clothes Corner, supplies homeless and underprivileged students enrolled in LAUSD with clothing essentials.
Their program covers students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Public school counselors or other agencies typically refer eligible children. You can reach them at 818-785-4134 or send an email to centreclothescorner@gmail.com.
Relief Recap
Providing your children with the necessary school supplies does not have to break the bank. Any of the organizations listed in this article can be easily contacted if you need assistance finding school supplies. Remember to stay informed, inquire with your school district, visit nearby churches, and keep an eye out for updates during your grocery shopping.