Spending on school supplies has gone up and in some cases, parents are feeling the burden. This year, the average family with school age children will spend more than $630 to prepare for back-to-school. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations to help the neediest students get what they need.
School supply giveaways are taking place throughout the metro area this weekend and into early August. If your child is in need or if you know of a child in need, here is just a sampling of the events and organizations that offer free school supplies to children. Some events may require registration, so call for details.
And if you aren’t in need, you can always offer a donation. If you know of other events, leave a comment or send an email to nedra.rhone@ajc.com.
Antioch Baptist Church Back to School Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat. July 25., 590 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. School supplies for Pre-K through college students from Antioch and surrounding communities. Call 404-688-5679 for information.
Atlanta Public Back to School Bash: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat. July 25, Atlanta Metropolitan State College, 1630 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta. On-site school registration, health screenings, after-school programs, free activities and more. Free transportation is available from 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. from the following schools:
- Sutton Middle School
- Carver High School
- Grady High School
- Jackson High School
- Douglass High School
- Mays High School
- Therrell High School
- Washington High School
- South Atlanta High School
- Oakland City Marta Station
VFW Post 4706 Back to School event: This is the third year for the school supply giveaway organized by the Ladies Auxillary of VFW Post 4706. More than 100 bags of school supplies will be delivered on Aug. 18 to students at selected schools, but members of the public in need of supply bags can call and leave a name, child's age and the number of bags of school supplies desired and they will try to prepare them for students. Call 404-717-5473 before July 31. The post is located at 5362 Covington Highway, Decatur.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat., Aug. 1, Chris Tucker Youth Center, 715 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta. Get free back to school supplies in addition to music and entertainment.
: 2 – 6 p.m., Sun. Aug. 2, Andrew Young YMCA, 2220 Campbellton Road SW Atlanta. All are welcome to this community event which will give out free backpacks and supplies as well as offering games and other entertainment. One backpack per child. If the child is not signed up they will not receive a backpack or supplies. For information, registration, etc. call 404-645-1398.
Community Assistance Center School Supply distribution: For CAC clients and those who live in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody with children in the public school system, school supply registration is going on now. Current clients can bring a lease and school enrollment documentation from the past year, Mon – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. They can pick up backpacks on Aug. 3 and 4. Backpacks are created based on the actual school supply lists (not generic lists). Those who are not clients can call 770-552-4015 to set up to become clients. Donors can go online at www.ourcac.org and pledge an amount (about $35 for a full backpack). Click the link to "Tools for School programs." You can see the which schools are receiving donations and the number of backpacks still needed. You also have the option of choosing a specific school to donate to. CAC is hoping to help 1,000 kids this year. Community Assistance Center, 1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs.
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