School supplies will be collected throughout August. (NNS file photo by Bridget Fogarty)
With young students heading back to school soon, it’s time to start thinking about where to get school supplies like backpacks, notebooks and pencils.
The cost of these can add up quickly, but luckily there are people in our neighborhoods who organize activities to make sure kids have access to the supplies they need at a price they can afford or for free.
This list of back-to-school activities shows that getting kids ready for school is a community effort, as churches, nail salons, barbershops, radio stations, and more offer items and services.
Most drives require your child to be present to receive free supplies.
Don’t see a drive or donation opportunity listed? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org
How to get free or discounted school supplies
Exchange 4 Sylville Smith bag units: Saturday, August 13
The 6th annual bag drive in memory of Sylville Smith, who was killed by a Milwaukee police officer in 2016, takes place from 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Saturday, August 13th at Sherman Park, located at 3000 N. Sherman Blvd. In addition to free school supplies, there will also be a bike giveaway, free food and live music.
A’lanit fashion backpack raffle: Saturday, August 13
Backpacks will be given away while supplies last starting at 3:00pm on Saturday, August 13th at the intersection of North 68th Street and West Fiebrantz Avenue.
Back to School Giveaway at Lindsay Park: Saturday, August 13
Bags and school supplies will be given away, and there will be bounce houses, raffles, games and food, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Lindsay Park, located at 4360 N. 87th St.
Operation Back to School: Saturday, August 13
The Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative is hosting this event to prepare veterans and their children for the start of the new school year with school supplies, lunch, bounce houses and games. The event will take place from noon to 4pm on Saturday, August 13th at Liberty Heights Park, located at 1540 S. 62nd St. RSVP by calling 414-257-4111
King Community Center’s 27th Annual Breakfast and Back to School Event: Saturday, August 13
WJMR Jammin’ 98.3 hosts this breakfast and a back-to-school event where kids in attendance receive a bag full of school supplies and a free breakfast. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 13 at the Community Center Dr. Martin Luther King, located at 1531 W. Vliet St.
Gift of school supplies to Risen Savior Lutheran School: Saturday, August 13
Any K-8th grader can get school supplies and get their hair cut or braided from noon to 2pm on Saturday, August 13 at 3909 W. Clinton Ave.
Free Fade Factory Haircuts: Sunday, August 14
Fade Factory barbers will be offering free haircuts to youth 13 and under from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 7515 W. Oklahoma Ave. Cuts will be given in order of arrival.
Heal the Hood and the African American Round Table Back to School Party: Saturday, August 20
Get a bag of books and school supplies while enjoying free food, yoga in the park, 30+ local vendors, a kids corner, music and performances. The event runs from noon to 5pm on Saturday, August 20 at Clovernook Playfield, located at 6600 N. Landers St.
My Little Dreamers Back to School Drive: Saturday, August 20
My Little Dreamers Child Care Center is hosting its seventh annual school supply drive. You can get free school bags and supplies while the kids enjoy food, games, a bounce house and face painting. The ride runs from 2:00pm to 6:00pm on Saturday, August 20th at 4036 N. 51st Blvd.
Noir’e Hair District Back to School Giveaway: Saturday, August 20
Noir’e Hair District is hosting a free clothing and school supplies raffle from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, August 20th at 1947 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Children must be present.
Book bag giveaway and free haircuts and haircuts for kids: Saturday, August 20
Lavish Crowns LLC is hosting this book bag and school supply giveaway with free haircuts and haircuts for kids going back to school. Drawing takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 20 at 7319 N. Teutonia Ave.
Book bag raffle and resource fair: Saturday, August 20
Mommie & Me Prenatal Care Services is hosting a book bag raffle and resource fair from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, August 20 at 2829 N. Teutonia Ave.
School material and live performances: Saturday, August 20
Amazing Angels Child Care hosts this event where parents can get free school supplies and enjoy live performances while kids enjoy bounce houses at this kid-friendly event. The event will take place from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturday, August 20 at the intersection of North 11th and West Clarke Streets.
Back to School Festival and Talent Show in Washington Park: Sunday, August 21
On Sunday, Aug. 21, there will be backpacks full of supplies, kid-friendly vendors, a talent show for youth ages 6-16, bounce houses and more at the Washington Park Marching Band from 2 p.m. at 18:00 hours.
Back 2 School pop-up shop: Saturday, August 27
Free backpacks and school supplies for children in attendance between 12:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, August 27th at 1935 W. Silver Spring Drive.
Back to School Car Show: Saturday, August 27
Free backpacks with school supplies, free haircuts, a car show, pony rides and more at this back-to-school event from 1-5pm on Saturday, August 27 at McGovern Park Area 1, located at 5400 N. 51st Blvd. . M
Community Day at Brentwood Church of Christ: Saturday, August 27
This daily party includes free school supplies and clothing, plus senior resources, food, entertainment, a motorcycle show and local vendors. The event will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, August 27 at 6425 N. 60th St.
Back to school giveaway at Center Street Library: Friday, September 2
School supplies will be dropped off at the Center Street Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Friday, September 2nd at 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
Back to School Raffle: Saturday, September 3
Get school supplies as well as food, face painting and raffles from 1-6pm on Saturday, September 3rd at 8700 W. Brown Deer Rd.
how to help
The MPS Foundation is not holding a public school supply giveaway, but will raise $50,000 through Sept. 14 to purchase book bags and supplies for students. Instructions on how to donate here.
MPS is also collecting in-kind school supplies and monetary donations to purchase supplies through September 9th. Instructions on how to make a donation here.
The Capuchin Community Services are collecting in-kind and monetary donations now through August 19. More information here.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County is collecting donations to purchase school supplies here.
The Milwaukee Rescue Mission is accepting in-kind and monetary donations, more information here.
As part of the eighth annual Sleepover for Education, Tracey Dent, executive director of the Peace for Change Alliance, is collecting in-kind and monetary donations to bring school supplies to an MPS school. More information here.
First Day Fits is accepting clothing through August 12th for back-to-school youth. Details on how to donate here.
