Back to school can represent an important expense for families. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary and middle school plan to spend an average of $863.86 per student in 2026 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. For a family with two children, the costs would rise to more than $1,700.
But you don’t necessarily have to pay for everything out of pocket. There are schools, community organizations, libraries, social service agencies, and other institutions that help families obtain school supplies, backpacks, clothing, uniforms, and other services.
We’ll explain where to look and what to ask for.
Call 211
If you don’t know where to start, the 211 hotline can be one of the most helpful resources.
211 connects people with organizations and services available in their community. You can call 211 or search for resources by ZIP code at www.211.org. The service is confidential, and calls can be made anonymously.
Depending on your location, the menu may offer an option to speak in Spanish; if not, ask the operator to connect you with someone who speaks Spanish.
When you call, explain exactly what you need:
You can say: “I need school supplies and a backpack for my children for the start of the school year. I live in [zip code]. Are there any free or low-cost programs near me?”
You can also ask about clothing, food, transportation, child care, or other needs that are affecting your family’s budget.
Call the school
Before purchasing everything on the supply list, contact the school or school district.
Ask specifically for the social worker, counselor, parent coordinator, family liaison, or family resource center. These individuals may be aware of assistance programs that are not listed on the school’s homepage.
You can ask for:
- Backpacks and school supplies
- Uniforms, shoes or clothes
- Computers or tablets for the students
- Food programs
- After school programs
- Help with transportation
Search for local events
On Google or Facebook write:
- “Back-to-School Giveaway + [Name of your city]”
- “School supplies giveaway + [Name of your city]”
You can also search for:
- “Free school uniforms + [Your city]”
- “Free school clothes + [Your city]”
- “School uniform giveaway + [Your city]”
- “Dree shoes for students + [Your city]”
Many programs have limited capacity or require advance registration, so please confirm the details with the event organizers before attending.
Look for a Community Organization
There are agencies throughout the country, but the programs they offer vary by city or county.
An agency may not provide backpacks or school supplies directly. However, it can connect you with other organizations that do offer them or help you find support for other family expenses, such as food, housing, utilities, transportation, or child care.
You can search for an agency by state, county, or ZIP code in the Community Action Association’s national directory. Services vary by agency, so it’s a good idea to ask which programs are currently available.
What Can You Ask Them for in Order to Get Help?
Before attending an event or program, confirm what you need to bring. Not all programs have the same requirements. Some depend on parental income, others on where the child lives or the child’s age, and still others are funded by private organizations.
Depending on the program, you may be asked:
- Child’s name and grade
- Address or proof of residence
- Proof of income
- Identification
- Previous enrollment
- Phone number
- That the child is present.
If you’re concerned about providing personal information, ask what information is required and why they need it before submitting any documents.
You can also find other resources for your children at local libraries. We recommend you read: More Than Books: Free Resources Offered by Public Libraries
Editor’s note: This article was originally written in Spanish and translated into English by Tilde Language Justice Cooperative
