The school year seems to come around quickly. Getting school supplies can get expensive and stressful. 

Below is a list of sites and information where you can get free back-to-school supplies. Please be aware that in several instances, it’s while supplies last. Generally, you will receive a backpack and school supplies. In some instances, the kids need to be there as well. 

Giveaways 

Giveaways in New york: 

Creston Avenue Playground

Saturday, August 17th, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT 

McLeod’s Community Garden

Saturday, August 17th, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT

Curtis “50” Community Garden 

Sunday, August 18th, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EDT 

Glover Street Community Garden 

Sunday, August 18th, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT 

Green Acres Community Garden 

Sunday, August 25th, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT 

Target Bronx Community Garden 

Saturday, August 31, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. 

The following other organizations generally give out resources to families and back-to-school supplies. 

The River Fund New York City 

Low-income families can receive an entire set of school supplies, shoes, backpacks, notebooks and pencils for free. 

Child Center of New York

This organization has an annual drive and distribution of backpacks filled with school supplies.

New York State of Mind 

They have a variety of outreach programs including distribution of back-school-supplies.

Boys and Girls Club of America 

They often hold pop up giveaways. Call your local organization to see what resources they have to offer. Check on bgca.org to find your local club. 

Salvationarmyusa.org 

Find your local Salvation Army Center using the zip code search to inquire about their local events and back to school supplies availability. 

Operation Homefront 

This is an organization that helps military families by connecting them with helpful resources and family events. 

Giveaways in Newark:

Newark Public Schools

They’re holding a back-to-school event where families can apply for free lunch and after-school programs for their children. Free back-to-school supplies for Newark students will be offered while supplies last. 

Where:

Hawkins Street School

8 Hawkins Street

Newark, NJ 07105

Thursday, August 22nd, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT 

Bonus 

Find help.org 

You can also find discounted school supplies at Target, Walmart, and Staples. 

Teachers or principals can apply for school supplies at Supplyateacher.org which provides classrooms with a full semester’s worth of basic core supplies. Visit KINF.org to apply. 

NYC Children’s Festival 

This is one of the activities celebrating Harlem Week.

Howard Bennett Playground 

135th Street (Manhattan)

New York, NY 10037

Saturday – Sunday, August 17th – 18th, 12:00p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT

Social outing for the little ones: 

Paradise on Earth community Garden:

Baby meet-up – Paradise on Earth Fannie’s Garden.

August 19th 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT 

Parents can take the time to relax with meditation, inspirational videos and soothing bedtime stories for grown-ups with the cozy crackling fire in the fireplace @RelaxedPresent.

Listen to the Emperor’s New Clothes Bedtime Story for Grown-ups: