Free School Stuff

Parents who are near the federal poverty level or who have a low income may need to find free school stuff for their children. Kids from preschool to grade 12 all need to come to school prepared, with books, paper, pencils and more. Schools release a supply list mid-summer in order to prepare parents and children for the first day. Yet many parents are unable to pay their bills and pick up their children’s basic educational supplies.

Help is available for students who need school supplies.

School Supply Help

Not buying it is not an option for a number of the basics on the list of supplies. Elementary children need to have pencils, backpacks and paper; high school students often need to buy or rent textbooks. Find help by checking with local organizations for free school stuff.

Schools

The first place to ask is the school. A partnership with a local charity or business may be in place that will outfit qualifying families with school supplies. School fees may be discounted or waived for the same qualified families, freeing up a little money to buy supplies.

Offices and Businesses

Local offices and businesses often toss out gently used supplies that work well for students. Companies that are undergoing a logo change might get rid of all their pens, notebooks, binders, staplers and more that have the old logo stamped on them. Or, too many supplies may have been purchased for a special project. Whatever the reason, offices and businesses may have a surplus of items in their storeroom.

This method of finding supplies does involve cold calls and more footwork, so start looking early. Call supply managers and leave a name and number they can call if they have items to give away.

Local Churches

Churches and non-profit organizations may run “adopt-a-family” programs near the beginning of the school year. The programs may be similar to those that offer Christmas help for low income families. Families who received help from programs in the past should inquire about school supply programs at the same organization. Watch newspapers, television news programs and community bulletin boards for any special charities developed during the summer.

National Organizations

Local organizations provide immediate assistance to people in their communities. However, a couple national organizations help match schools and children in need with companies and individuals willing to help with school supplies.

Shoes That Fit

Paper and pencils are not the only items children need for the start of the school year. Shoes, pants, jackets, boots and uniforms in the proper sizes are also necessary for children. Wearing clothing that is too small or tight can distract students from learning.

The national non-profit organization Shoes That Fit matches sponsoring businesses with schools that have children who need help. Use the school list to find out what schools are helped by the program.

Kids in Need Foundation

Children who need supplies may get them free if their school or teacher participates in a program developed by the Kids in Need Foundation. This foundation helps schools, teachers and children in need obtain supplies through sponsorship with other businesses and organizations. The School Box program supplies students in participating districts with a box of materials appropriate to their grade level. Parents who need free school stuff should see if their district participates in the program and learn how to qualify.

Free School Stuff All Year

Parents who fear they will not be able to purchase school supplies for the upcoming year should keep their eyes open for opportunities to pick up supplies free. Basic items, like backpacks, pens, pencils, rulers and notebooks are on almost every list, making it easy to scout out freebies early.

Ways to collect free school supplies throughout the year include:

• Ordering free samples of office supplies, found on company websites and freebie forums.
• Saving parade freebies, like pens and erasers, handed out at Easter parades or Fourth of July parades. They may be promoting a company or holiday, but they work just like ones purchased in the store.
• Picking up freebies at county and state fair booths from companies that are promoting their product or service.
• Sifting through items during a community-wide “trash to treasure” or “junk” weekend. Used backpacks, sweatshirts and notebooks (rip out used pages) may be among the items on the curb.

Parents who are good at bargain shopping may find a few freebies after purchase. Waiting for sales, using coupons and sending in rebates can make some items free. Cereal boxes often have deals where parents can send in UPC codes for items like notebooks, pen packs or crayons, although they may have to pay shipping.

Families who are at-risk or in need should ask community and national organizations for help finding free school stuff, and continue to look for deal throughout the year. Getting children off to a good start in school is important for their education.

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