Can you really get free school supplies? The answer is yes you can if you know where to look. Free school supplies give any family budget a needed break. Get everything your kids need to start their school year off right, from pencils to backpacks, at no cost to you whatsoever and regardless of your family’s income. There are several organizations and programs that offer free school supplies to children in need, both on a local and national level. Get a head start with these 6 ways to get free school supplies.
Local churches to Get Free School Supplies
A majority of area churches will collect school supplies to donate to local families in need. If you belong to a certain church, it is a good idea to start there. If you don’t attend a church, start calling around to the local churches to see if they participate in any programs.
Craigslist Sites
Craigslist is a great option for those who live in larger cities, but can also work for those living in smaller areas as well. Under the “For Sale” category, you will find a section called “Free Stuff.” From this section, you can either browse through the whole list or you can enter keywords in the search box, like school supplies or office supplies and see what you can find.
The Freecycle Network
Freecycle is a network of local sites where folks are giving away items they no longer want or need, or are looking for items, like school supplies. There are more than 5,300 Freecycle networks throughout the world. Find your local group at www.freecycle.org.
Kids in Need Foundation
Kids in Need Foundation has a program called School Ready Supplies. Through this program, the foundation donates school supplies, in the form of backpacks filled with school supplies, to teachers in certain schools. Contact your child’s school to see if they participate in this program.
United Way
United Way has an array of programs that help students in need. Check with your local United Way chapter to see what programs are available in your area. Other Charitable organizations are the Salvation Army, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront has a program called Back to School Brigade. Through this program, military families in need can get backpacks filled with school supplies, for students to head back to school. The program is sponsored by Dollar Tree. They’ve donated over 25,000 pre-filled backpacks donated to students in need.
Local Media
You can call any media outlet’s newsroom and ask for the assignment editor or education reporter. He should be able to inform you of any school supply-related event information. That particular media outlet may be holding its own free school supply promotion too.
Facebook Marketplace
We spend lots of time on Facebook and you never know who might advertise Facebook Marketplace! take a peek every now and then, you might be surprised to find free supplies.
Tax-Free Weekends –Take Advantage of them!
Florida is among the many states that have tax-free weekends. If you’re lucky enough to live here or in a state with a tax-free weekend, take advantage of those three great days to buy school supplies, backpacks, clothes, etc. Check out the table below to find out whether your state made the cut:
To afford that long list of expensive school supplies is not an easy task. School supplies are a huge expense that families struggle with every year. It’s a fact, many parents need to choose between buying clothes or school supplies. This shouldn’t happen.
I buy all my school (and office) supplies at the beginning of the school year. The local stores have massive sales for several weeks before school starts and for one week after.
That is a great way to save!
Wow, it is so good to learn that you can actually get free school supplies. Great awareness for the family who needs it.
Right? This is a fantastic way to help those in need.
I think it’s wonderful that people pay it forward for kids’ school supplies to those who may be less fortunate. This is a post I’d share with friends and family, so that they can forward it to their communities.
Yes, it is a great thing and relief for many parents. Thanks for sharing Romy.
I think your 9 ways work wonders on only for pre school items. great advise!
You are welcome!
Such amazing resources!!! I had no idea that you can get that much stuff for free, amazing. Thanks a lot.
YES! Isn’t that great?
Thank you so much for this. I hear a lot of moms asking where they can get school supplies from. I will share this with them.
Thanks!
These were a great list and could help others especially those who can’t afford to buy school supplies this coming school year.
Yes indeed. I really hope it does reach those people in need.
This is very awesome to share because too many kids go without the proper need for school supplies. I knew about churches but the others you listed were new to consider. Awesome share!
Yes, I thought it would be very beneficial. Glad you thoutht so too.
Awesome round up. Never realized how much more savings can occur for school supplies.
Right? Glad you found it useful.
These are great tips! I’ve been looking into buying supplies for my nephew as the school year is almost here.
Glad they are helpful!
this wil be so helpful for families! we need all the free supplies we can get these days!
I really hope so!
this is such a great list of where we can get free school supplies. we always like to donate items to others, and this is so helpful!!
Hope you enjoy it!