Want to lend a hand to students in need this school year? Need help getting school supplies? These free school supply events in the Oklahoma City metro area can help!
[Please note: This is a working list last updated on July 24, 2024, 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 School Supply Drives
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 late July. Donations are accepted year-round. 405-946-1556, urbanmissionokc.org
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 sign up is July 26, 2024.
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. For more information, contact: 405-945-4070.
The Back2School program at Citizens Caring for Children (730 W Wilshire Creek Blvd., Ste 112) is an annual event that provides foster children with clothes, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. Each child enjoys a personalized shopping experience. All school-aged youth and children in foster care are eligible to participate and can register here. Also, supply drive efforts and donations are needed to make a difference in a foster child’s school year.
Peppers Ranch (3200 S Western Ave, Guthrie) is collecting school supplies for kids living at the ranch. Needed items include pencil sharpeners, notepads, folders, index cards, markers, sidewalk chalk and more. See the Ranch’s Facebook page for a full list of needed items or their Amazon wish list. Donate online at peppersranch.com/donate. Volunteers are needed for the Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 3. Email danysha@peppersranch.com for more details.
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.
Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation’s Coat-A-Kid program provides new winter coats to OKCPS students, ensuring every child in the district who needs a coat has one to protect them from the cold temperatures. The Foundation accepts year-round donations. Learn more at okckids.com/coat-a-kid.
Drives and Events in 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
The Brooks Clinic is hosting a city-wide school uniform drive. The community is encouraged to donate new and gently used uniform clothing such as shirts, pants, skirts, and shoes. Donation drop-off locations will be available at all five metro Brooks Clinic locations throughout Oklahoma City. Additionally, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Student Services office, located at 1701 Exchange Avenue, will serve as a drop-off point.
July 12-26
Midwest City Chamber of Commerce’s Fill the Bus Campaign supporting Mid-Del Schools is accepting school supplies. Drop off donations at one of three events. Learn more by emailing jason@midwestcitychamber.com.
July 19-Aug. 6
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 20
FREE Back2School Pack Fill-Up at In The Gap (5517 NW 23rd St) features school supplies, food trucks, games, live DJ, health checks and more. Bring your own backpack and receive supplies at no cost while supplies last. Students must be present. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
July 22-Aug. 10
The School Supply Drives at Hall’s Pizza Kitchen and Harvey Bakery are collecting school supplies to benefit MLK Jr. and Wilson Elementary. Enjoy a free dessert at Hall’s Pizza Kitchen or drip coffee at Harvey Bakery as a thank you for contributing.
July 24
FREE Back-to-School Community Outreach at Kiwanis Park South Pavilion (1101 S Midwest Blvd, Midwest City) features 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, such as paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, crayons, glue, folders, and scissors. The event is open to the public while supplies last. 10 a.m.
Aug. 3
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. Donations are accepted until July 15 at 2612 S Kelly Ave, Edmond.
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. $40. 5:30 p.m.
Through Aug. 16
Calle Dos Cinco Historic Capitol Hill District is collecting school supplies to give away to the community at their FREE Fiesta Friday block party. In-kind and monetary donations are welcome. Donations can be drop off at the Community Action Agency beginning Aug. 1.
Looking for more resources to help your family get ready for the school year? Check out these handy resources all in one convenient place!
