It’s back to school season and The Arc Minnesota is here to help. School supplies inherently come with a demanding cost element. With the expensive nature of supplies and rising prices, it is difficult to add this additional finance to your plate.
To assist families, below is a list of resources with free school supplies throughout the state of Minnesota. Events are taking place soon. Make sure to check the dates listed!
Twin Cities: Register for the 2nd Annual Back 2 School BBQ on August 20th from 11 A.M.- 4 P.M. at Zanewood Recreation Center in Brooklyn Park. Click here to learn more.
More event options with free supplies can be found on eventbrite.com under the search terms “free school supplies” and your city.
Rochester: Rochester’s 2nd Annual Back to School Block Party and Parade takes place on August 20th from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. at Reverend Martin Luther King Park. Click here to learn more.
Moorhead: United Way is distributing school supplies and backpacks at The Scheels Arena on August 9th and August 10th from 4:30 P.M. to 6 P.M., and August 11th from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Click here for more information.
Duluth: Churches United in Ministry is pairing up with Duluth Public Schools to distribute backpacks August 24th from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. while supplies last. Click here to learn more.
St. Cloud: Salvation Army in St. Cloud and Stern County have an assistance program that includes free school supplies. Click here to learn more.
Salvation Army locations throughout Minnesota are distributing supplies in late August. Click here to learn more.
It is always a good idea to reach out to your child’s school district to see if there is already a donation system in place. Regardless of the event, be sure to check if there are any sign-up or proof of residency requirements. Be sure to arrive early if there are limited supplies!
There are also low-cost options for essentials.
Arc’s Value Village is a fantastic asset for inexpensive dorm supplies. Learn more about the thrift stores here. The Arc Minnesota provides resources for budget stretchers. Click here for more information.
Hopefully these resources allow your child to start the school year off on a great note!