It’s almost Back-to-School time in Central Ohio and the high cost of school supplies leaves many parents unsure of how they will afford the needed materials. Below you will find a list of local organizations that provide free school supplies and other items for families in need. Many of them require pre-registration. Be sure to check directly with each organization for the most up to date information or any changes.
Please comment below if you know any other organizations that would be helpful for others.
Free School Supplies & Clothing (2019)
Charity Newsies
Children in grades K-12 are provided new clothes free of charge. In addition, shoes, winter coats and school uniform vouchers are provided as well.
4300 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 263-4300
Website: Charity Newsies
[hr]
HandsOn Central Ohio
HandsOn provides resources for social and government services, including school supplies for those in need. All services are free throughout Franklin County 24 hours, 7 days a week.
195 North Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
2-1-1 or (614) 221-6766
Website: HandsOn Central Ohio or Back to School Supplies
[hr]
Welcome Warehouse
Welcome Warehouse offers programs to assist Dublin area families (Dublin City School students K-12 only for the 2019-2020 school year) who are temporarily in need. Those programs include: Clothing Warehouse and Back to School Outreach.
6305 Brand Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 726-6958
Pick Up Date: Saturday, August 3, 2019
Website: Welcome Warehouse
If you’d like to help students start the school year with items they need, you can donate to the online school supply drive. Here’s the link: School Supply Donations
[hr]
School Supplies Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2019
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Purpose Center Church
16 Westerview Dr., Westerville, OH 43081
(614)-504-5853
Website: The Purpose Center Church
[hr]
Tom Fennessy/Mike Harden Back-to-School Project
FREE backpack with school supplies giveaway
Date: Friday, August 9, 2019
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or until supplies last
Location: Shoemaker Industrial Solutions
831 Bonham Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
(614) 488-4250
Website: Tom Fennessy
Volunteer your time or donate using this link: Donations for Back-to-School Project
[hr]
Gahanna Residents In Need (GRIN)
Back-to-School Fair
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Location: Gahanna-Lincoln High School
GRIN will be providing book bags, school supplies, socks, personal hygiene items, books, underwear and haircuts.
Website: GRIN
Registration is required, click here.
To volunteer or donate, click this link: Want to Help?
[hr]
Trinity Baptist Church Community Fellowship
BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY. Backpacks and supplies will be given away after morning services!
Date: August 11, 2019
Time: Backpack giveaway immediately after service
Location: 461 St. Claire Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203
(614) 258-9583
Website: Trinity Baptist Church
[hr]
Neighborhood Services, Inc. (NSI)
Do you live in the following zip codes 43201, 43202, 43210 or 43211? If so, your children in grades K-12 can receive the following school supplies: backpacks, writing utensils, paper, calculators, pens, and other school essentials. Sign up from July 1 – August 1, 2019.
Date: Pickup takes place August 12- August 15, 2019.
1950 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 297-0592
Website: Neighborhood Services, Inc.
[hr]
Volunteers of America Operation Backpack
Volunteer of America provides backpacks to children in the VOA housing program, homeless children living in shelters and children in need. VOA works with partner agencies and school districts to provide as many backpacks as possible to students collected from Operation Backpacks.
1776 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614)-253 6100
Website: Operation Backpack
Interested in donating? Here’s the online link: Donations for Operation Backpack
[hr]
Vineyard Columbus
Vineyard Columbus partners with Columbus City Schools to provide back to school support. Contact your child’s school to ask about the school supply giveaway. 2019 information will be updated soon so check their website often.
Website: Vineyard Columbus
[hr]
Back 2 School Bash
Have some fun before the school year begins! In addition to a free backpack filled with school supplies, there will be lunch, water, snow cones, games and more. The radio station 104.9 The River will be joining with first responders. One backpack per child and supplies are limited.
Date: Saturday, August 10, 2019
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: 3231 Briggs Road Baptist Church, Columbus, OH 43204
Columbus, OH
Facebook Page: Back 2 School Bash
King Arts Complex: 8th Annual Back to School Community Day
SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAYS and live performances
Date: Saturday, August 17, 2019
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: 867 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH
(614) 645- 5464
Website: Kings Arts Complex
Hopefully this list provides you with ideas on where to check for free clothing and supplies if you are in need.
**Clothing and school supplies subject to families needs and availability**
For additional related resources on school routines, snacks, education and more, check out our Back-to-School Guide.
