back to school

The start of the new school year is just around the corner and school supply costs can cause financial problems for many families as the list of school supplies can be extensive and many have several children at home.

So, below we share a list of events designed to distribute free school supplies in the Garden State.

LOCAL EVENTS

THE BLESSED HOUSE – NEWARK, JERSEY CITY Y ELIZABETH

At least 500 backpacks filled with pens, crayons, notebooks and many other classroom necessities will be distributed at The Mercy House locations in Newark on August 13, Jersey City on August 15 and Elizabeth on August 16 starting at 11 a.m. . These materials will be completely new and appropriate for youth in preschool through 12th grade. But the event ends when supplies run out, so families are encouraged to arrive early.

Mercy House staff and volunteers hold a school supply drive every August, but this is the biggest yet. It will also be the first to offer Italian ice cream. Every child and parent who visits will receive a free sundae cup, which comes in a variety of flavors. Choices include cherry, lemon, blueberry, watermelon, pina colada and chocolate.

PLAINFIELD ACTIVE SERVICES

Provides free school supplies to school-age youth enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade who need them. Items are given out every August during National Night Out. Limited storage available.

• Application Instructions: Pre-registration is done 2 weeks in advance in the office between 12:00pm and 4:30pm
• Required documents
  • Photo ID documents/passport, proof of address, birth certificate, social security card, proof of income.
• Pricing: Free.
• Coverage area
  Counties: Union
  Cities: Plainfield
• Hours: Call for details
  Main phone 908-753-3000
• Email: pas@plainfieldnj.gov
• Vvisit the program’s website

RED RESEARCH: LUNCH BREAK SCHOOL PICNIC SUPPLIES

Lunch Break hosts the annual back-to-school drive and community picnic, offering food, softball, health information, a backpack giveaway and more.

The event benefits hundreds of economically insecure school-aged children and their families, who rely on the social services resource center for basic needs, including school supplies. More than 800 backpacks with school supplies have been distributed to families who do not have the financial means to adequately prepare their children for the next school year.

The event will include picnic food and some healthy options in line with Lunch Break’s “Healthy Together” Nutrition Campaign, games for all ages, and an annual softball tournament. The picnic is open to community members free of charge.

When: Saturday August 17, 2024

Hour: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m

Where: Basie County Park, 11 Red Bank Henry St., NJ 07701

More information here.

ARMY OF SALVATION

The Salvation Army coordinates back-to-school events and distributions for families in need.

Many places are hosting events throughout August, so the sooner you contact your local Salvation Army for help, the better.

Find a list of locations by entering your city or zip code at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/locations.

CATHOLIC MEMORIAL DIOCESE OF TRENTON – COMMUNITY SERVICES

Providing free school supplies that are distributed to families of school age children who need them.

• Requirements: Open to families with school age children.
• Application Instructions: Call or visit the program to register. There may be a waiting list.
• Documents required: Identity documents, birth certificate or child report card.
• Prices: No.
• Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
• Contact:
  • Ocean County Office, 200 Monmouth Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701 (Main Phone 732-363-5322, ext. 6).
  • Mercer County Office: 132 N Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 (Main Phone 609-394-8847).
  • Burlington County Office: 450 Veterans Dr, Burlington, NJ 08016 (Alternate Phone 1-800-360-7711).
• More information here.

SEE THE NJ 2-1-1 COUNTER

The database includes a list of limited resources for school supplies.

ASK AT THE SCHOOL AND REGIONAL DISTRICT ABOUT THE OPTIONS

Some school districts must provide school supplies to students who cannot afford them. There are schools that receive donated materials for students who need them. And many teachers are affiliated with vendors or non-profit organizations and can request free supplies for their students. In any case, help may be available to those who ask for it.

Ask your SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY

If you receive assistance through your county social services office, food pantry, nonprofit after-school program, faith community, service club, or any other type of program that serves the community, the organizations may be able to help or those groups. get free stuff through giveaway programs.