As the school year approaches, families may feel overwhelmed by the cost of back-to-school shopping. But Do not worry. Help is available. Many charitable organizations, community programs, and national initiatives offer free school supplies to students in need.
With a little searching, parents can find everything from backpacks to binders at no cost before the school year starts. This article highlights 10 nearby places where families can receive free school supplies this back-to-school season 2023.
Whether it’s through giveaway events, Send by Mail programs or school drives, we’ll share some of the best local resources to get help with school supplies that students require without the price tag.
The Growing Cost of School Supplies
- According to The National Retail Federation, the average cost per household spending on school supplies is $890.07, and nationwide spending on school supplies will reach $41.5B (billion) by 2023.
- A study by Huntington Bank found that half of parents surveyed said inflation has increased their back-to-school budgets this year, with supply costs rising over 10% from last year.
- Over 55 million students across the U.S. rely on free or reduced lunch programs, indicating a high need for free supplies among low-income families.
That is why accessing free school supplies from local charities and community programs is so valuable for families. These resources help ensure that students have the necessary tools, even as prices continue to rise and parents struggle to budget.
Where Can I Get Free School Supplies? [Top 10 Places]
In 2023, families in need of school supplies and backpacks can get them for free from various outlets across the country. If you’re unsure about where to find free school supplies in your area, Here are 10 places to begin your search.
Your Child’s School or School District
One of the best places to check for free school supplies is your child’s school or local school district. Many schools set aside donations or extras to distribute to families in need throughout the year.
- Last year, Lincoln Elementary in Smithville distributed over 200 backpacks stuffed with supplies to students, donated by local businesses and the PTA.
- The Horizon School District is currently accepting applications on their website for their Back-to-School Supplies for Success program, which provides qualifying families with up to $75 in supplies per student.
So, contact your child’s teacher, principal, or parent organization to ask if they coordinate any supply assistance or have backpacks, pencils, notebooks, etc., available to give out.
You can also call the main office of your school district and ask if they run a school supply assistance program for low-income families.
Your child may also qualify for free back-to-school items through special education services and IEPs.
Be sure to reach out, as your school should have resources and options to help students start the year prepared.
Operation Homefront’s Back to School Brigade Program
Operation Homefront’s Back to School Brigade program offers free backpacks filled with school supplies to thousands of military children across the U.S. each year.
For the 2022-2023 school year, Operation Homefront plans to distribute backpacks and school supplies to 30,000 eligible students in military families.
In total, the Back to School Brigade program has provided over 550,000 backpacks stuffed with supplies since starting in 2008, saving military families over $60 million in school costs.
Any military families who meet income eligibility requirements can apply through Operation Homefront’s website during the summer months.
Approved applicants receive free backpacks and school supplies by mail to their home addresses.
This program can significantly impact military families, so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible and applying to receive free back-to-school gear for your child.
Kids In Need Foundation
The Kids In Need Foundation (KNIF) is another excellent national nonprofit that provides free school supplies for students and teachers in need.
Last year alone, they supported over 7.7 million students and 333,169 teachers across 17,472 under-resourced schools nationwide.
In total, the Kids In Need Foundation distributed more than $143 million in free supplies and learning materials to benefit kids.
They work to ensure that all students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.
For Teachers:
94% of teachers in the U.S. say they spend their own money on classroom supplies.
If your community doesn’t have a KINF resource center, teachers can apply for the SupplyATeacher.org program.
The Supply A Teacher Program provides classroom resources to teachers in underserved schools.
Through this program, Every teacher will be given two large boxes containing sufficient essential school supplies to last for a minimum of one semester. These boxes include pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and pens.
Depending on their grade level, students will also receive additional items like crayons and markers for younger grades and highlighters and colored pencils for older students.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The Boys & Girls Club helps students across the country prepare for the new school year through their Back-to-School campaign.
They provide backpacks filled with school supplies and offer mentoring programs to assist students with academic challenges.
Parents can contact their local Boys & Girls Club chapter to learn more about the application process for mentoring programs, upcoming backpack giveaways, and other events that provide free school supplies in the community.
AdoptAClassroom.org
AdoptAClassroom.org is a nonprofit organization that provides free school supplies and materials to benefit teachers and students across the U.S.
Since starting in 1998, they have delivered over $57 million in supplies to classrooms in need.
AdoptAClassroom.org allows teachers to create and post wish lists of needed supplies that individual donors can browse and fulfill.
Last year alone, the organization provided 1.3 million essential items like pencils, paper, STEM materials, books, and more to classrooms nationwide.
To date, AdoptAClassroom.org has supported over 5.4 million students and counting through its supply gifts.
As a parent, you can create a free account on their website and search for classrooms and wish lists at your child’s school. The requested supplies are then shipped directly to the teacher for students’ use.
With its wide scope, AdoptAClassroom.org is a fantastic way to access free learning materials for your student’s classroom.
The Salvation Army
If you need help getting your child ready for school, consider reaching out to The Salvation Army. They have a program called Angel Tree that provides free school supplies and backpacks to students across the country.
To sign up, attend one of the Angel Tree sign-up events held before the school year begins. Once registered, donors from the community can choose a child’s name from the Angel Giving Tree and provide them with the supplies they need for their grade level.
Last year alone, The Salvation Army gave out over 100,000 backpacks and supplies through this program. With their commitment to helping millions of people every year, The Salvation Army is a great organization to contact for back-to-school assistance.
You can find information about sign-up dates and registration by visiting their website or contacting your local chapter.
Back 2 School America
Back 2 School America is a nonprofit organization that provides educational opportunities and school supplies to enrich the lives of children in need.
Since starting in 2007, they have supplied over 340,000 students across the U.S. with 10 million essential school items.
Back 2 School America distributes Back 2 School kits containing core supplies like paper, pencils, binders, and backpacks that set students up for classroom success.
They partner with community groups, government agencies, and corporations to facilitate bulk supply purchases and kit-building events.
In 2023, Back 2 School America will continue their main mission of getting vital school supplies into the hands of low-income and disadvantaged students nationwide.
Parents can check their website for details on signing up children to receive free Back 2 School kits this year. With their wide scope and impact, Back 2 School America is a great resource for families struggling with back-to-school expenses.
School on Wheels
School on Wheels is a Southern California organization providing supplies and tutoring to students experiencing homelessness.
A major part of their support is supplying students in need with backpacks filled with all the essential school tools.
Annually, School on Wheels donates over 5,000 backpacks stuffed with pencils, notebooks, binders, and more to set up students for academic success.
They partner with over 400 local sites like shelters, libraries, and after-school programs to distribute the backpacks and connect students with volunteer tutors for additional educational support.
For families facing homelessness in Southern California, contacting School on Wheels is an excellent way to get your student the supplies they need this back-to-school season.
Check their website to find an upcoming backpack distribution event or shelter program in your area that your child can benefit from.
Check Upcoming Community Events
This back-to-school season, keep an eye out for school supply drives happening in the community. Many local organizations, businesses, radio stations, and TV news stations organize drives to collect donated backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and more to distribute to families in need.
For example, the local ABC News station collbrate with FCPS (Fayette County Public Schools) and helps collect school supplies through Stuff the Bus campaign during the first two weeks of August in central Kentucky.
“A lot of families have to choose between buying school supplies and buying food. So we’re helping to try to eliminate that. We want to say let us help you. Let’s see what we can do. Let’s partner together,” says Ford.
The YMCA on Oak Street is also collecting supplies through the month of July and August that will go to low-income students.
Other supply Drop off locations are:
- Bernon Family YMCA
- Franklin High School
- Oak Street Elementary School
- Franklin Municipal Building
- Horace Mann Middle School
- BJ’s in Franklin
Please contact Michelle Branche at 774-235-2766 or [email protected] to request your backpack today!
Area malls like Spring Valley Mall and Clayton Plaza often host back-to-school donation drives as well with drop-off boxes inside.
Check your local newspaper, radio stations, and community bulletin boards, both online and physical, to find upcoming supply drives near you.
Attending these events is a great way to pick up free school supplies for your child from generous community donors while supplies last.
DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is a nonprofit organization that helps teachers obtain supplies, books, technology, and other classroom materials through an online crowdfunding platform.
Since starting in 2000, DonorsChoose has facilitated over 1.8 million projects, benefiting more than 43 million students across the U.S.
Teachers create requests for specific items needed in their classroom, and individual donors can browse projects and donate any amount toward the goals.
Once funded, DonorsChoose ships the items directly to the teacher. This allows teachers to stock their classrooms without spending their own money.
Parents can create an account on DonorsChoose to browse projects posted by teachers at their child’s school.
By donating to one of these classroom requests, you can help provide free learning materials and supplies for your student.
With its simple process and massive scope, DonorsChoose is a unique way for parents to access free school supplies facilitated by their own teachers.
Conclusion
Communities, schools, charities, and generous individuals are willing to assist and ensure children can focus on learning, not supply expenses. With a little effort, you can access free school supplies.
You can start by checking with local nonprofits, community drives, your child’s school district, and national programs that send free school supplies by mail to your home.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help in getting the essential tools your student needs.
FAQs
Where can I get free school supplies?
You can get free school supplies from local charities, community drives, your child’s school, and nonprofit organization’s programs that ship supplies.
where to look for free back-to-school supplies
Check with local nonprofits, community centers, churches, and social media for backpack and school supply giveaways happening near you before the school year starts. National programs like AdoptAClassroom.org also give free supplies but require applying online.
My child has special learning needs. Can I get free supplies tailored to them?
Yes, contact your child’s teacher and school district’s special education department about assistive technology and supplies adapted for their learning needs.
How can I find out about local school supply drives in my community?
Check newspaper listings, social media for local organizations, radio PSAs, bulletin boards, and flyers posted around town for upcoming school supply drive details.
