Need Free School Supplies? Here Are 7 Charities That Want to Help

In 2022, a Deloitte Back-to-School survey found that the average family spends $661 per child on back-to-school purchases. That was an 8% jump from 2021. No matter how you slice it, spending $600 or more on school supplies is not in the average budget. 

Unless a family has a healthy savings account balance, back-to-school shopping often leads to robbing Peter to pay Paul. For a family living paycheck to paycheck, purchasing an extensive list of school supplies can lead to anxious moments. For a family dealing with a serious illness or job loss, the stress can lead to sleepless nights.

The reality of the situation is that a number of nationwide charities are happy to step into the gap. Here are seven national charities that routinely collect and distribute school supplies to families in need. 

1. The Salvation Army

For many years, The Salvation Army has collected school supplies from community donations and business partners, then distributed them to eligible households. If you're not sure whether your local Salvation Army chapter participates, give them a call. You can find the chapter nearest to your home by typing your ZIP code into this site. And if your children need clothes or shoes to begin the school year, The Salvation Army may also be a good source.  

2. Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities is another organization with a long history of helping kid's start off the school year on a positive note. Like The Salvation Army, many Catholic Charities locations conduct a school supply drive, then distribute the school supplies collected. Catholic Charities may also be a good source for free school clothes. 

3. The United Way

After years of working with families that don't have a fat bank account, The United Way offices across the country also get in on the action by collecting and distributing school supplies. It will take only a moment to call your local United Way office to ask if it's conducting a drive this year, and if so, when it will be open to families in need of school supplies. 

4. St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul may be a one-stop shop for the things your child needs to start the school year off on the right foot. St. Vincent de Paul typically collects and distributes school supplies. What's more, the organization provides free vouchers that can be redeemed for free school clothes in the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store. Even if the affiliate in your area does not provide school supplies, take advantage of the clothing voucher. 

5. The Assistance League

Operation School Bell is a nationwide program offered by The Assistance League. The goal is simple: To help students from low-income families get the school supplies and clothing they need for the new year. To learn if there's an Assistance League program near you, visit this website. 

6. Operation Homefront

If you're a military family, Operation Homefront's Back-to-School Brigade is on the case. The Back-to-School Brigade collects school supplies and makes sure they get into the hands of children from military families. Operation Homefront recognizes that military families need every financial break they can get. 

7. Boys & Girls Clubs

Children who participate in Boys & Girls Clubs are eligible to receive school supplies through the organization. Boys and Girls Clubs host an annual Back2School campaign, so give them a call to learn what's available. 

If you can't find an organization in your area distributing school supplies, call the school your child is scheduled to attend. Ask if it knows of any groups helping children gather backpacks and other supplies for the upcoming school year. It's quite possible that a local church, civic club, business, or food bank has a program of its own.