How to get free back-to-school supplies in USA

What are free back-to-school supplies?

When you’re compiling your back-to-school supplies list for your child, you’ll find that there are some items you may be able to get for free from various sources. There are programs, charities and churches that will provide essentials like: uniform, school shoes, books, backpacks and stationery.

How to get free back-to-school supplies in the USA

So, if you’re a low-income family, or a single parent working hard to pay for essentials - how do you access free back-to-school supplies for your children?

Many people get help from the Salvation Army, national retailers, churches, or charities. There are also many and various free school supply programs, both locally and nationally.

Charities often provide financial help, or giveaway free gift certificates, vouchers, or hand out the school supplies directly to eligible families. Plus, most states and counties have local charities, often called ‘clothing closets’, that giveaway free backpacks full of school supplies.

Plus, there are assistance programs that allow parents, kids, single mothers and others to shop on their own for school items, using a client choice model. So it’s well worth looking for online and offline support groups, platforms and websites that feature free back-to-school supplies.

The different ways to get free back-to-school supplies

There are so many ways to access free back-to-school supplies throughout the US. Here are just a few institutions and organizations that can help.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army gathers supplies from community donations and business partners. Those supplies are then distributed to low-income families across the US. School supplies may include backpacks, stationery , shoes and clothes. Application for help usually kicks off in July. So contact your local Salvation Army chapter for more information about how to apply.

The United Way

The United Way has offices across the country. Many of them organize school supply drives for the local communities!

The Assistance League’s Operation School Bell.

The Assistance League runs the nationwide program, Operation School Bell. Its aim is to help low income families get access with school supplies and clothes. It also provides scholarships and other support for low-income students.

Catholic charities

Many catholic charities run school supply drives, collecting and then distributing items to families in need. They provide free school clothes and free supplies, including backpacks, pens, binders, pencils, markers, erasers, highlighters and more.

Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC)

Love INC is another nationwide organization that may be able to assist with free back-to-school supplies, depending on the services offered by your local chapter.

St. Vincent de Paul

This is an international non-profit Catholic organization that also offers free school clothes and supplies in many areas. Even if supplies aren’t available, you may be able to get free clothing vouchers from them: vouchers that can be redeemed in their thrift stores.

Boys & Girls Clubs

If your child takes part in your local Boys & Girls Clubs of America, then you may be able to get help with school supplies through them. They host annual Back2School campaigns to gather donations.

Companies offering free school supplies

Some businesses and companies offer assistance with school supplies, such as companies like Wireless Zone. These are often run alongside promotions, or used as opportunities to create a sense of goodwill in the community.

School District

Many school districts keep extra school supplies for families who are experiencing financial hardship. So, If you can’t afford school supplies and cannot get help from any other organizations, please contact your school district.

Food banks

Occasionally, food banks will offer free school supplies. So, it’s worth contacting them to check.

Send financial support for school supplies to loved ones

We are real experts in the subject of preparing to get back to school. Every year we support many of our customers in sending money back home to support a loved one’s education. And we can offer some real insights into the costs involved - read it here.  But that’s not all. For more insights head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of helpful and informative articles put together especially for people living and working abroad.

Not every country offers free back-to-school supplies. So, if you want and need to send financial support for a loved one’s education, we’re here to help you. We can offer you fast, secure and low-cost money transfers. So, you’ll know that your money gets where it needs to be quickly and efficiently – and the people who need it most will be grateful for every amount you send.

The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.