Yes, it’s possible to get completely free school supplies if you know how and where to look.
This article reveals some of the best sources that provide different school supplies, completely free.
Most of us know how expensive going back to school is. Parents feel the weight of it all.
Some of us have wished there was a way the burden could be made lighter. And it can!
Indeed, there are a few hacks that could ease the burden to a great extent. One way to do so is to get free school supplies.
First, this company has paid $25+ million to members:
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10 Best Sources to Get Free School Supplies
Here is a list of options that you should check out if you want to know how to get free school supplies.
1. Backpack Programs
These programs are the best – they are designed to ensure that the student gets many supplies to be used in class.
Plus, they get a backpack to carry them in. The programs are different depending on the areas they are found in.
The “Volunteers of America’s Operation Backpack” is one such program. The operation makes sure children have supplies that are specific to their grades.
It operates in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, and New York areas.
Related: How College Students Get Educational Stuff for Free.
2. Charitable Organizations
Many charitable organizations are keen on getting students ready to go back to school.
They generally focus on children who come from less privileged families. They vary in different places.
Some of them are like the Salvation Army, back-to-school programs like United Way, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
You may visit their websites, or visit these organizations to find out what they can help you with.
You can also go over your local shelter to see ii they have any supplies for children going back to school.
3. School Districts and the School
Some schools accept donations of school supplies. These will then go to the families who need them the most.
School districts whose administrators are actively doing this are like the Reynolds School District.
That is located in Fairview, Oregon.
Always check with your school district and see what they have to offer for school supplies. You can start by visiting their website.
4. Look for deals in online market places
Go to the social media market places. Search through the Facebook Marketplace.
You may find that a few people may donate one or two items that you could cross off the list of school supplies required.
People like giving out free stuff like books and others to help out a kid or two in need. Watch out for those giving hands.
Craigslist is another place to visit. Visit their “for sale” section, and while you’re there, click on “free.”
Don’t forget your community’s Freecycle – there could be reusable school supplies for kids.
OfferUp is another platform worth looking up. Your community could have pocket-friendly deals.
5. Adopt a Classroom
This is a program that targets teachers more than parents. You may encourage your kid’s teacher to register with the cause.
It is a bit of a work-around. If it works, things will be better on your end, so it is worth a try.
Because, if the teachers can be able to get the supplies for their classrooms, they will need fewer items from parents.
Related: How Teachers Can Get Educational and Teaching Stuff for Free.
Again, this company has paid $25+ million to members:
SurveyJunkie (only USA, Canada, Australia residents allowed). You can earn money sharing your thoughts. They have already paid $25+ million to their 20+ million members just for sharing their thoughts and opinions. Click here to join SurveyJunkie for FREE
Adopt a Classroom has been around for 21 years. They have seen over $36 million being raised to help teachers get the supplies they need to run classes smoothly.
Give the teacher that nudge to register their classrooms. This helps them get connected to corporate sponsors or grants.
It is a small sacrifice to make. The benefits to your children and your pocket will be worth it.
There are organizations like Pledge Cents and Donor Choose whose mission is to give classroom supplies.
Click here to check out Pledge Cents and Donor Choose.
6. Swapping School Supplies
Have you ever had a surplus on a particular item that your child needs for school? Well, that could be something another parent is facing.
Wouldn’t it be great if the items could be swapped in class among the students? That is the suggestion being made here.
One kid could be having more notebook paper than they need. Another kid could be having more pencils than they need.
If the supplies are pooled together, then they could be balanced out in swapping. That way, you save on that dime.
Also See: How Kids Can Make Things to Sell to Make Money.
7. Back-to-school Brigades
As the name suggests, this targets military families. It is a collaboration between Dollar Tree and Operation Homefront.
They give free school supplies and backpacks to kids whose parents are in the Nation’s armed services.
If you fall in that category of parents, frequently stop by Operation Homefront’s page. There you will likely catch an upcoming Back-to-school Brigade to be held in your area.
When that happens, register beforehand for the event.
8. Look Out for Rebate Deals
Keep an eye for rebate deals that come up in stores like Staples, Office Depot, and Office Supply.
They usually happen around July and August.
You will be required to spend on purchases you make for supplies in the stores.
The most important thing to remember is to seal up the rebate in a stamped envelop and mail it. Soon, you’ll get your money back, making the supplies you bought absolutely free.
Ebates.com will give you an almost similar deal. With them, it will not be completely free, but the cost will be significantly reduced.
9. Use Coupons
Look for coupons in the local newspapers. They could have pleasant surprises in school supplies, especially during July and August.
You could turn in those coupons at Target or any other stores of your choice.
Scan Coupons.com for great offers for back-to-school essentials. And don’t forget RetailMeNot.
10. Local Media Leads
Don’t forget the able local media. They are more likely than not to get wind of places, people, or organizations giving away school supplies for free.
Look up the local journalists in your area in the newspapers. Get in touch with them.
Target those reporters whose focus is education or like subjects. Inquire from them of events hosting school supply giveaways.
Have them keep you in the loop in case such events come up.
Other Interesting Articles To Consider for Getting More Free Stuff:
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- Getting Free Contact Lenses
- Living Rent Free
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- Getting Get Free Condoms
- Getting Free Diapers
- Getting Free Dominos Pizza
- Getting Free Lawnmowers
- Getting Free Toothpaste
Conclusion
There you have it. You do not need to lose a fortune for your kid to have the required school supplies.
In the least, you can save a lot with these options available. But if you do well by yourself, you can get all the school supplies needed for free.
As this article has shown, there are definitely sources for getting your school supplies for free. It also showed the exact sources to use.
But of course make sure you check out the sources and take time to read what they need you to do, to benefit from the school supplies.
Again, this company has paid $25+ million to members:
SurveyJunkie (only USA, Canada, Australia residents allowed). You can earn money sharing your thoughts. They have already paid $25+ million to their 20+ million members just for sharing their thoughts and opinions. Click here to join SurveyJunkie for FREE