Want to lend a hand to students in need this school year? Need help getting your school supplies? These events in the Oklahoma City metro area can help!
[Please note: This is a working list last updated on June 7, 2023, so check back often for updates and additions. Know of an event that needs to be added to our list? Email and let us know!]
Ongoing
The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools’ Kit-a-Kid program helps students with the supplies they need to be ready to learn. For a $25 donation, the foundation will be able to provide a child with everything they need for the school year. Visit okckids.com to make your donation.
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that allows the community to support public school teachers. Public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests, and you can give any amount to the project that most inspires you. You can search by location or project area of interest from art or math to field trips or specialized classroom equipment.
Positive Tomorrows is a school serving homeless children. Visit their website for a wish list for needed supplies.
Assistance League of Norman’s Operation School Bell provides new clothing and books in a retail-like environment to children in need. Children are referred to our program by their teachers and school counselors.
The Backpack Program at Urban Mission provides school supplies for local children qualified as low income. Distribution will begin in July. Donations accepted year-round. 405-946-1556, urbanmissionokc.org
Sharing Tree’s Classroom Connection helps kids in need get school uniforms. Donations can be dropped off at 825 NW 24th St in Moore. Financial donations can be made online.
United Way of Norman’s Stuff the Bus Program distributes free school supplies to low-income families in Norman and some surrounding communities. Pre-K through 12th-grade students in Norman, Noble, Little Axe, Lexington and Robin Hill are eligible to apply for the ABC School Supply Program. The deadline to signup is July 7, 2023.
Sunbeam Family Services Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) School Supply program serves approximately 500 children every year with back-to-school backpacks full of pencils, pens, notebook paper, folders and much more. The GRG program also provides support, education and resources for grandparents 55+ who are raising grandchildren without parents in the home in Canadian, Cleveland, Oklahoma and Logan counties. If you would like to donate today, visit give.sunbeamfamilyservices.org.
Feed the Children’s Teacher Store is in need of classroom essentials such as notebooks, copy paper, glue, pencils, pens and instructional materials. Thousands of teachers from pre-approved Title I schools visit the Teacher Store to shop for school supplies at no cost to them or the school district. This annual event draws teachers from across Oklahoma, allowing them to fill a bag full of classroom supplies as well as collect an assortment of books for the upcoming school year.
The Back to School Program at the Citizens Caring for Children Resource Center (730 W Wilshire Creek Blvd Ste 112) hosts an annual event to provide foster children with clothes and supplies needed for school. Each kid gets a personal shopping experience. Preregister. Donations and volunteers needed.
Peppers Ranch (3200 S Western Ave, Guthrie) is collecting school supplies for kids living at the ranch. See the Ranch’s Facebook page for a full list of needed items or their Amazon wish list. Business owners can request a school supply drop-off box for their workplace by emailing malia@peppersranch.com.
The Bethel Foundation is providing families in need with back-to-school resources including school supplies. Families interested in donating should call 405-286-3700.
June 1-Aug. 5
Art in Schools Drive at Chisholm Creek (13230 Pawnee Dr) is raising funds to support elementary art education in Edmond Public Schools. Edmond Fine Arts Institute, a non-profit, has partnered with the district to supplement art education in 3rd and 4th grades through their Art in Schools Program. Chisholm Creek businesses are raffling off prizes for the benefit of Edmond Fine Arts Institute.
July-August
Youth & Family Services School Supplies Product Drive (7565 E Hwy 66, El Reno) benefits children and youth in Youth & Family Services emergency shelter, counseling, foster care and smart start programs. School supplies are needed for elementary through college age. 405-262-6555, www.yfsok.org
July 14-Aug. 1
The Moore Chamber’s Fill The Bus Campaign encourages community members to donate much-needed things like paper, pencils, markers, crayons and more at one of the four events planned this summer. Donations to go to Moore Public Schools. For more information and a list of essential supplies, visit moorechamber.com.
July 29
Oklahoma City & Boys Ranch Town’s Back-to-School Dinner Event at Embassy Suites (2501 Conference Dr, Norman) features dinner and a style show. Proceeds benefit a special fund to provide yearly clothing and other basic needs of children at Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. $30. 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 5
FREE Project 66 Back to School Bash at First Christian Church (201 E 2nd St, Edmond)features school supplies, backpacks and resources from community organizations. Backpacks will be available for the first 1,000 students. Donations accepted. 10 a.m.-noon.
FREE Seas the Day Mobile Library Back to School Bash at Big Smoke Cigar Lounge (3719 Springlake Dr) features backpack and supplies giveaway, plus community resources, free haircuts, free food & drinks, bounce houses, games and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
TBA for 2023
FREE SONIC’s Back to School Bash at the Urban League (3900 N Martin Luther King Ave) features a drive-thru event to help families in need with uniform gift cards and other resources. Parents will need to register their students. Donations are accepted.
FREE Back to School Backpack Giveaway at Kiwanis Park (1101 S Midwest Blvd, Midwest City) features free school supplies, food, cold drinks and more. school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. 10 a.m.-noon.
FREE Back to School Event at The Good Fight Church (500 E Main St, Yukon) features free school supplies, music, activities and a short word from the pastor. Preregister. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
FREE Back-to-School Outreach at Victory Family Church (4343 N Flood Ave, Norman) features a school supplies drive benefiting local schools. Volunteer opportunities available. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
FREE Slip-n-Slide Family Celebration at Family of Faith Church (13500 SE 15, Choctaw). Backpacks, school supplies and nearly new clothing will be given away while supplies last. Includes free food, inflatables and more. 9 a.m. – noon.
Looking for more resources to help your family get ready for the school year? Check out these handy resources all in one convenient place!
