Whether you are in need of free school supplies or you are in a position to donate school supplies for those in need, I hope you find this list helpful. Below are details on locations and events across Northeast Ohio were backpacks and school supplies will be given to area children.
School Supply Giveaways Across Northeast Ohio
Information for 2017 giveaways are currently being updated and the TBA's below will be updated as soon as we find out more. If you know of a location that isn't listed, please submit the details here. Thanks!
FREE School Supplies in Ashtabula County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer is donating 100,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children through its annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. More than 400 participating TCC stores across the U.S. are inviting local families to bring their children to the store to pick up a backpack filled with school supplies. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 1024 S. Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041; (440) 299-8455 {Find a store}
FREE School Supplies in Carroll County
FREE Back to School Safety and Wellness Extravaganza
Free school supplies for beginners through the 5th grade. Interactive Safety Stations: school bus safety, sun safety, car seat safety, family education trailer, and much more! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017; 11am-1:30pm
Where: Carroll County Fairgrounds, 106 Kensington Rd. NE, Carrollton, OH 44615; (330) 627-4866 ext. 57
FREE School Supplies in Columbiana County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer is donating 100,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children through its annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. More than 400 participating TCC stores across the U.S. are inviting local families to bring their children to the store to pick up a backpack filled with school supplies. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 2870 E. State St. Salem,OH 44460; (330) 337-3810 {Find a store}
FREE August Overflow
Who is eligible: Students in the following district: Crestview, Columbiana (including Heartland Christian), East Palestine, Leetonia, Lisbon, and Beaver Local. Bring proof of resident or a report card from previous school year. Also available that day: Free grill food, fresh produce, clothing, children's barrel train ride, Bounce Arounds and other games, and a Red Cross Blood drive. Contact: Office at church (330) 457-7317 from 9:30-3:30 M-F. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 5, 2017; 12pm-4pm
Where: Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 State Route 46, New Waterford, OH 44445
FREE School Supplies in Cuyahoga County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Verizon Premium Wireless Retailer is donating 100,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children through its annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway. More than 400 participating TCC stores across the U.S. are inviting local families to bring their children to the store to pick up a backpack filled with school supplies. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 9465 Sprague Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133; (440) 840-7272 {Find a store}
FREE Mayor Frank G. Jackson's Annual Youth Summit & CMSD Back to School Fair
Event includes information booths and youth workshops. Free back to school supplies, while supplies last. Breakfast and lunch provided. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017; Registration 8am-9am, Event: 9am-1:30pm
Where: Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114; (216) 420-8087
FREE Bethel Slavic Village Backpack Giveaway
There will be outdoor games and activities, inflatables, family photo studio, live DJ with family-friendly music, and light refreshments. Guests will be able to register for this indoor-outdoor event FREE of charge, and receive a backpack with school supplies from the Cleveland City Schools approved list of supplies. All children receiving backpacks and school supplies must have a parent or legal guardian present. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017; 2pm-4pm
Where: The Boys & Girls Club Cleveland, 6114 Broadway Ave., Cleveland, OH 44127
FREE Esperanza Inc. Back to School Celebration
Join Esperanza Inc. for their annual Back to School celebration and backpack giveaway. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017; 9am-1pm
Where: Esperanza Parking Lot, 3104 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
FREE Lakewood New Life Church's Let's Love Lakewood
Let's Love Lakewood is a free event for the entire community. FREE backpacks and school supplies will be given away, first come, first served. Your child must be present to receive a backpack. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017; 12pm-2pm
Where: 14224 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
FREE School Supplies in Geauga County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 15626 W. High St., Middlefield, OH 44062; (440) 632-1600 {Find a store}
FREE School Supplies in Lake County
The Salvation Army of Painesville & Lake County
Call for details on how to get back to school supplies
(440) 354-3774
FREE School Supplies in Lorain County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please call your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 375 Lear Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012; (440) 933-7466 {Find a store}
FREE School Supplies in Mahoning County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 5507 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH 44515; (330) 953-0816 {Find a store}
FREE The Red Zone & City Kids Care Back to School Outreach Fest
Three on three basketball tournament, free food, inflatables, guest speakers, information booths, mobile dentist, health screenings, and free haircuts. {Find Out More}
When: TBA
Where: 1319 Florencedale Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505
FREE School Supplies in Medina County
FREE Blessing of Bookbags at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, August 13, 2017
Where: 2233 Abbeyville Rd., Valley City, OH 44280; (330) 483-3873
FREE School Supplies in Portage County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 3975 Cascades Blvd., Kent, OH 44240; (330) 968-4950 {Find a store}
FREE School Supplies in Summit County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where:
– 8210 Macedonia Commons Blvd., Macedonia, OH 44056; (330) 908-0047
– 2728-B E. Aurora Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087; (330) 963-0367
– 3200 Greenwich Rd., Norton, OH 44203; (330) 825-7720
{Find a store}
FREE Summit for Kids Family Expo
Parents and children are invited to the John S. Knight Center in downtown Akron to enjoy fun and educational activities, free back-to-school items, and more. Admission is free. Spiderman will be back! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 19, 2017
Where: John S. Knight Center, 77 East Mill Street, Akron, OH 44308
FREE School Supply Giveaway at St. Mary Church
Provides free school supplies to qualifying families with low income in the Hudson City School District. Call (330) 653-8118 for more details. {Find Out More}
Where: 340 North Main St., Hudson, OH 44236; (330) 653-8118
Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County
Provides free school supplies for student in grades Kindergarten through 8th to low income families in Summit County. {Find Out More}
(330) 475-0091
FREE School Supplies in Stark County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where:
– 3939 Massillon Rd., Uniontown, OH 44685; (330) 899-1667
– 2260 Locust St. S., Canal Fulton, OH 44614; (330) 752-4326
– 6781 Wales Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720; (330) 497-5889
– 2181 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720; (330) 966-5423
– 7216 Fulton Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718; (330) 832-5538
– 4332 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH 44708; (330) 478-1330
{Find a store}
FREE School Supply Giveaway at Alliance Friends Church
Free Backpacks, basic school supplies, lunch provided. There will be games, fun, and music for all. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 5, 2017; 10am-2pm
Where: 1307 W. State St., Alliance, OH 44601
FREE Back To School Blast and Fun Day at North Canton Church of Christ
Please make plans to attend and receive a limited number of FREE school supplies. We ask that children be present to receive supplies. (If children cannot be present, adults may get school supplies starting at 11:30am with child’s birth certificate, social security card, or other form of ID while supplies last). Enjoy hot dogs, snow cones, snacks, and drinks. Magicians will be present! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 5, 2017; 10am-12pm
Where: 1301 East Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
FREE 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway
Enjoy food and fun with inflatables, hot dogs, face painting, games, and a raffle for a family fun gift basket! All elementary and middle school kids attending will receive a backpack filled with supplies to start school. Packaged socks and underwear will also be given away. Registration is required here. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017; 11am-2pm
Where: Gentlebrook Young Adult Center Community Complex, 880 Sunnyside St. SW, Hartville, OH 44632
FREE School Supplies in Tuscarawas County
FREE School Supply Giveaway at Dover Foursquare Church
School supply giveaway, plus fun, games and prizes. One day only, while supplies last. Children must be present to receive supplies. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 5, 2017; 9am-12pm
Where: 302 E. Slingluff Ave., Dover, OH 44622
FREE School Supplies in Wayne County
FREE School Backpacks at The Cellular Connection
Annual Backpack and school supply giveaway at The Cellular Connection stores across the country. Supplies are given away on a first come, first served basis. Please CALL your local store before visiting. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, July 23, 2017; 1pm-4pm
Where: 3417 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, OH 44691; (330) 264-1500 {Find a store}
FREE Hair Cuts at West Salem Church of God Super Hero/Back to School Festival
Kids can start the new school year off with a free hair cut, plus enjoy lunch and family fun activities, including bounce houses, yard and carnival games, live DJ karaoke, and more! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, August 5, 2017; 12pm-5pm
Where: West Salem Church of God, 129 Flemming Rd., West Salem, OH 44287
Remember, if you know of a location that isn't listed, please submit the details here. Thanks!
Hello my niece and three nephews are in need of school supplies and we missed all of the giveaways. They are in second,third,fourth and fourth grade their dad left them and their mom and they have no income or means to get supplies. I have been trying to help them as much as I can but have my own children to buy for. We all live in tuscarawas county. Please contact me if you know any info on where they will be handing out supplies. Anything will help.
Julie,
Unfortunately the only school supply giveaways I could find are listed here. You may want to reach out to the following two organizations to see if they can provide any help.
Dover / New Philadelphia Salvation Army: http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_neosa_v2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/9B2F6D7EA68F2B4B85257A380051BAF3?Opendocument
Tusc County United Way: http://www.referweb.net/tusc/
Danielle
Hi I was wondering is Stark County Salvation Army giving school free school supplies and bookbags out this year if so what days and times? please
church Of God will be giving school supplies and book bags for free at church Of God 3150 west 58 street cleveland ohio 44102 free between Clark and storer August 9′ 2014 1000 am to 100 pm .church is giving free backpacks for 2000 children .
Mara,
Thanks for letting me know. I’ve added it to the list.
Take Care,
Danielle
Where can I donate/drop off school supplies for the backpack give away in Medina County?
Patty,
The phone numbers are listed for each of the locations. If you give them a call, they should be able to direct you on how to donate. Thanks for checking.
Have a great day!
Danielle
I just went to the Avon store and the guy said he is NOT aware of the give away that they are not involved in this project.
Tracy,
I’m very sorry that this happened to you. Unfortunately, I’ve received similar stories from others who visiting the locations in NE Ohio. When they initially posted this event I asked if all locations were participating and was told that they were, which is why I included them in this list. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
I apologize for any inconvenience it caused you as it was not my intention.
Danielle
Hello. I am a case manager working for Family Life Counseling Agency in Millersburg, Ohio and I know of several families in need of backpacks. Is there anyway for these people to get a free backpack?
Have you considered making a Holmes County a distribution place?
Sincerely,
Patricia Troyer, QMHS
Patricia,
Thanks for leaving a comment. I’m not responsible for organizing any of these school supply giveaways, I just put together a list of local places offering giveaways in hopes of helping people find out about them.
As for locations offering giveaways in Holmes County the Cellular Connection stores across the country are giving away school supplies August 2 from noon-2pm. Here is a link to see if there is a location near you. I recommend calling the store to ensure they are participating.
http://www2.ecellularconnection.com/locations?utm_content=bufferc685f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Hope that helps!
Danielle
The back to school rally in Medina county includes
Thursday August 7, 2014 from 4:30 PM – 7 PM at Holy Trinity in Brunswick
Wednesday August 13 from 4:30 PM – 7 PM at Salvation Army in Wadsworth
Thursday August 14 from 3:45 PM – 7 PM at Salvation Army Medina
Thanks for letting me know. I’ve update the listing with the details.
Take Care,
Danielle