How to Get FREE School Supplies in 2023 (Huge List!)

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Can you believe it is Back to School time already?!

In today’s economy, it’s hard to get through the school year without spending money on school supplies. Fortunately, there are ways to make sure you don’t break the bank. Many companies and charitable organizations offer help by offering free school supplies and backpacks.

Free School Supplies from Ibotta

Download the Ibotta app and check the back to school offers section. Last year Ibotta was offering 100% cash back on school supplies and snacks. You could get up to $20 in free school supplies from your favorite brands!

Verizon Wireless Backpack Giveaway

Sunday, July 30th at 1PM – Stores will give out backpacks with school supplies free to customers on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last as part of the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. This year, 1,162 locations are participating, and they will be giving away 130,000 backpacks.

Operation Backpack

Operation Backpack connects children in need with a new backpack filled with grade-specific school supplies. A new fully loaded backpack can make the difference between children fitting in and being excited to go to school or refusing to go.

Kids in Need Foundation

The Kids in Need Foundation is a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to the essential school supplies they need to succeed in the classroom. Their mission is to provide free school supplies to students from low-income families, creating equal opportunities for education.

Through partnerships with corporations, retailers, and individual donors, the Kids in Need Foundation gathers a wide range of supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, calculators, art materials, and more. These supplies are then distributed directly to schools and educational organizations serving students in need.

The Salvation Army

Through their Back-to-School Assistance Programs, the Salvation Army offers various initiatives to provide free school supplies to children from low-income households. These programs are specifically designed to lighten the financial burden that families often face when preparing for the new school year.

To benefit from the Salvation Army’s Back-to-School Assistance Programs, families can contact their local Salvation Army center or chapter. The staff and volunteers will guide them through the registration process and provide information on upcoming events or distributions in their area.

United Way

Check out your local United Way to find out if they’re hosting a school supply drive to help kids start school with the tools to succeed.

Assistance League’s Operation School Bell

Assistance League’s Operation School Bell is the organization’s signature program, aimed at supporting children in need and helping them succeed in school. Across different communities, Assistance League chapters conduct thorough research to identify specific needs and then develop, fund, and implement programs accordingly.

Operation School Bell focuses on providing new school clothing, health assistance (including hearing, vision, and dental care), and educational enrichment to empower children for educational success. By addressing these critical areas, Assistance League strives to create a positive learning environment and foster academic achievement for children in need.

Back-to-School Brigade

The Back-to-School Brigade® is an annual nationwide campaign by Operation Homefront, dedicated to providing school supplies to eligible dependents of service members. This essential assistance program ensures that military children receive the necessary resources to start the new school year successfully, alleviating the financial burden on military families.

To find a Back-to-School Brigade event near you, you can visit the events page on Operation Homefront’s website or join their active Facebook community. These resources provide up-to-date information on local distribution events, allowing military families to easily access the support they need.

NeedHelpPayingBills.com

With over 24 years of experience, NeedHelpPayingBills has been a trusted resource for individuals seeking assistance programs. Their website provides county and city-specific information for all 50 states, making it easier than ever to find resources for free school supplies in your local area. Whether you need backpacks, notebooks, pens, or other essential items, NeedHelpPayingBills.com is your go-to platform for finding valuable assistance programs that can help alleviate the financial burden of back-to-school expenses.

Contact Your Child’s School

Schools themselves often have resources available to help families with limited financial means. Contact your child’s school and inquire about any assistance programs or initiatives they might have in place. They may have partnerships with local businesses or organizations that provide free school supplies to students.

Local Back-to-School Drives

Many communities organize back-to-school drives where individuals, businesses, and organizations donate school supplies. Keep an eye out for these events in your area, as they often distribute free backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other essential items.

Facebook Marketplace

Don’t forget to check out Facebook Marketplace! With a simple search and a bit of browsing, you may discover local individuals or organizations offering free school supplies in your community. Facebook Marketplace is a convenient platform where people often give away or sell items at a discounted price. Keep an eye out for listings mentioning free school supplies, and connect with sellers to secure the items you require for the upcoming school year.

Freecycle

Freecycle is a fantastic platform where individuals can give away items they no longer need, including free school supplies. By joining your local Freecycle community, you can connect with people in your area who are offering school supplies at no cost. Freecycle encourages the concept of reuse and promotes sustainability by facilitating the sharing of resources within communities. It’s a great way to find free school supplies, such as backpacks, notebooks, pens, and other essential items, and contribute to reducing waste while supporting educational endeavors. Keep an eye out for school supply listings on Freecycle and seize the opportunity to obtain free resources for the upcoming school year.

Search Your Local Area

The best place to find FREE school supplies is to search in your local area. There are many local events and donation programs that pop up all over the country. Try checking google by doing a search like this: free school supplies your city

for example: search free school supplies portland

You should find several news articles showing the dates and times of local events where you can score free school stuff!

Disclaimer: Availability and eligibility for free school supplies may vary depending on your location and available resources. Be sure to check the details and requirements of each program or offer before participating.