Back to school time is exciting. It’s also expensive. Here are some places where you can get assistance for the students in your home if the lists of “must-buys” becomes too long. Thank you to Early Learning Centers at MSD Lawrence Township for their support in making this list possible.

Need School Supplies or Uniforms? Many churches and organizations do fundraisers to provide backpacks full of supplies. Organizations like Operation School Bell, Backpack Attack, and give supplies directly to schools where they are then passed on to families in need so you can also contact your school to see if they can offer your child assistance with supplies. Individual schools in IPS and other uniform-wearing districts frequently offer uniform trade-in programs or sales. Contact your child’s school to ask about similar programs!

Events Providing Backpacks, Supplies, and More:

Please note that at all events children must be present to collect backpacks and other supplies.

Child Advocates Free Kids’ Fair

Saturday, July 11, 2020, 9 am

4150 N. Keystone Ave. (Mainscape parking lot)

The event will be a drive-through structure, if possible, please arrive by car. However, there will be a special tent set up to cater to those who arrive on foot/bike/bus/etc.

Perry Township SHARE Event: School Supply Drive Through

Sat, July 25, 2020, 11 am – 1 pm

Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy, 202 West Meridian School Road, Indianapolis

This free school supply drive-thru will have supply bags pre-packed with many of the necessary supplies, based on your child’s level (elementary, middle, high). You MUST register EVERY child through this form. Once you register a child, we will have a box ready for him/her, so please do not feel like you have to rush and get in line early on the day of the drive-thru. If you show up and have not registered you will not receive any supplies.

Back to School Block Party-Indianapolis Urban League

July 25th, Details TBA

Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis

Free Shoes, Health Screenings, Backpacks, School Supplies, Food!

Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. Free health screenings, free farmers’ market bags filled witBack to School Bash Westminster Neighborhood Ministries

Sunday, July 26th, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Participating stores around the country will be handing out free backpacks filled with school supplies on that day, while supplies last. Backpacks will be handed out on a first come, first served basis. Each child receiving a backpack must be there with you at the giveaway. Find a participating store here.

Free backpacks filled with school supplies.

Sunday, July 26, 2 pm – 4 pm

Sheridan High School, 24185 Hinesley Rd, Sheridan, IN

Families will pick up items at Sheridan High School parking lot and items will be placed in the car. Sheridan Youth Assistance, MAMA’s Cupboard and local churches will host the 2020 Back to School Bash. Families must pre-register by July 10 to guarantee back to school supplies.

Perry Township Uniform Sale

TBA

6548 Orinoco Ave. (PTECH Building)

Perry Township Annual Gently Used School Uniform Sale

Huge selection of quality uniform clothing, sizes Kindergarten through Adult, gently priced $3-$6!

Cash, check, and credit/debit cards accepted.

Backpack Attack at Whiteland Church of Christ



CANCELED FOR 2020

100 backpacks and school supplies available while supplies last, children must be present. Kids will have the opportunity to get a free, back-to-school haircut, learn about our free weekly tutoring program, Kroger’s The Little Clinic will be onsite to discuss school required immunizations, sports physicals, and other services that they offer. Fire and police departments will be there for the kids to tour their trucks and equipment and pick up some safety tips/information. This event is free.

Free school supply and backpack giveaway + haircuts.

Shalom Dr. Dannee Neal “Back To School” Health Fair

CANCELED FOR 2020

Shalom Health Care Center, 3400 Lafayette Road Suite 200, Indianapolis

Health screenings, wellness educations and information to children and their families. It will include FREE school and sports physicals, immunizations, eight (8) different medical screenings, a Kid’s Zone, bicycle giveaways and much more! Limited number of free backpacks and school supplies available.

Free School Supplies, Health Screenings, immunizations, school & sports physicals and giveaways!

Back to School Bash at Franklin Park Church



TBA

Come Celebrate Summer Break with free school supplies, a christian rapper, outdoor movie and an incredible fireworks show. There will also be a cash concession and a gift card giveaway. You don’t want to miss this exciting bash! This event is free but concessions are available for a fee.

Free school supply giveaway.

Back-to-School Backpack Extravaganza at Andy Mohr Kia in Avon



CANCELED FOR 2020

Food, fun, face painting and more! The Bowtie Guy will be giving away 150 backpacks filled with school supplies and goodies for the kids.

Free school supply and backpack giveaway.

Ms. Hoosier State South Side Back to School Bash



TBA

Stewart Memorial Church, 1745 Minocqua Street, Indianapolis

Book bag giveaway, IFD Book Mobile, Fire truck show and tell, youth empowerment, food and drinks.

Where to Donate

Indy Backpack Attack is a local organization that is currently wrapping up its 2018 supply & donation drive. This organization places bins around the city and collects the most needed supplies. Indy Backpack Attack partners directly with Indianapolis Public Schools to distribute supplies to students in need.

Hendricks County Backpack United is collecting common school supplies to assist children in Hendricks County Schools.

To donate supplies in surrounding counties, Indy Backpack Attack suggests contacting the United Way of Central Indiana. Each county office has a coordinator for area donations. Click here for a list of most wanted supplies.

Teacher’s Treasures is a local organization that helps teachers help students. Teachers are able to “shop” for supplies they need in their classrooms. Donations are accepted during business hours, and monetary donations can be made online.

School on Wheels provides tutors for students experiencing homelessness. This program functions on volunteers and donations, providing academic support for vulnerable students. School on Wheels accepts monetary donations on their website, and there’s a link to their Amazon wish list there as well.