If you’re looking for free school supplies in Birmingham or the surrounding area, we’ve found organizations that may be able to help you. From charities to local businesses, let’s review the places you can turn for assistance.
Free School Supplies in Birmingham AL
The Assistance League of Birmingham sponsors Operation School Bell, a program that gives out free school supplies and backpacks. They also offer health checks and free haircuts.
The United Way of Birmingham holds a Hands-On-Birmingham Back to School Backpack Drive every year. They distribute filled backpacks to the homeless, needy, and high-risk children in grades K-12. Supplies go to local agencies such as the YWCA and the Salvation Army. If you need help, call 211 for a referral.
Free School Supply Giveaway Events in Jefferson County
Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham hosts an annual giveaway with free school supplies and backpacks. For details, call (205) 251-5173
RESPECT, along with 200 other organizations and businesses, sponsors The Annual Back to School RESPECT Rally. The event has given out free book bags, food, and entertainment for over 20 years.
HOT 107.7 hosts a Backpack Block Party to provide free health screenings and around 1,000 backpacks to students in grades K–8.
The Eric Bledsoe Foundation gives away over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids of all ages every year. For more information, check with local television or radio stations or call (205) 327-3822.
The City of Bessemer sponsors a Back to School Bash with free school supplies, food, and entertainment.
Free School Clothes in Jefferson County
There are additional organizations in the area that can help your children with school clothes as well. Here are some places you can turn for additional assistance.
Helpline Christian Outreach Ministries helps clients with clothing, toiletries, and school uniforms on a weekly basis.
The United Way works with its partners to provide uniforms and school clothing in some areas. If they are unable to help, they are able to make referrals to organizations that can.
My Child’s Closet in Birmingham provides school uniforms, coats, and shoes to children only. Call (205) 541-8436 for more information.
Salvation Army offers clothing vouchers to be used in their thrift stores. Although they focus on the elderly, families with young children, and people in crisis, they provide referrals for others.
The 23rd Street Baptist Church in Birmingham provides free clothing for families in need. Call (205) 251-1752.
Triumph Youth And Adult Community Development helps with bills, gives out clothing, and makes referrals. They also provide tutoring and GED preparation. Call (205) 424-6892.
Greater Birmingham Ministries helps with food and clothing, as well as other needs for Jefferson County residents who live below the poverty line. Call (205) 326-6821.
Other Resources
Alabama Department of Revenue has a tax-free weekend for school-related items every year. For dates, visit their website.
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 50% of the students receive free or reduced-price lunches. Supplies are limited! Apply here.
Target Stores give teachers a 15 percent discount on all school supplies. Teachers MUST have a Target Circle account and verify their teacher status prior to shopping to get this discount!
Relief Recap
There are some amazing ways to get free school supplies in Birmingham or Jefferson County. If you need to get assistance, reach out to the organizations on this list right away. They can help with supplies, clothes and so much more so get started now.