Metro Minnesota - School Supplies - Statewide 2026

Information will be listed here when it becomes available for residents of the following counties: Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington. If a program is not listed in a specific area, individuals should contact their school district's social worker for possible assistance with school supplies.

ANYONE

Back to School - Brooklyn Center Recreation

• Address:  Centennial Park – 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center 55430
• Phone (763)569-3400
• Serves: Open to all students of any age (must be present to get backpack/supplies)
• Intake: Walk in for the event
• Distribution: 6 pm – 8 pm Thursday, August 27
• Description: Provides an event with limited backpack/supplies, along with plenty of food, games, treats, and a variety of vendors, and community resources.

CLOSED Children's Home and LSS Back to School Bash

• Address: 1605 Eutis Street, Saint Paul, MN 55108
• Phone: (651)646-7771
• Serves: Open to all families providing relative or kinship care
• Registration: Walk in for the event
• Distribution: 5 pm - 7 pm Thursday, August 20, 2026
• Description: Provides an event for youth being cared by relatives and kinship caregivers to enjoy snacks, connect with community resources, and participate in fun activities like face painting, games, and visits with certified therapy llamas CLOSED

CLOSED Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – 8th Annual School Supply Giveaway

• Address: Holy Trinity Parking Lot, 1300 Main Street East, New Prague MN, 56071
• Serves: Open to all
• Eligibility: Elementary-age students
• Registration: Drive-thru, first come, first served, while supplies last. 216 backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away during this event. No early distribution. Rain or shine.
• When: Monday, August 3rd, at 6 pm
• Description: Free backpacks with general school supplies CLOSED

CLOSED Homestead Community Church Hastings Campus - Back to School Carnival

• Address: 602 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN 55033
• Website: https://homesteadcommunitychurch.org/hastings
• Serves: Open to all
• Eligibility: Students in need of free school supplies
• Intake: Walk in
• Distribution: 11 am – 1 pm Saturday, August 1^st
• Description: Provides snacks, carnival games, inflatables, and a free backpack with school supplies CLOSED

CLOSED Honored 2 Help's 6th Annual Back 2 School BBQ

• Address: Pride Center - Park Center High School, 7501 Noble Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
• Serves: Open to all
• Eligibility: Individuals and families with children in grades K–12
• Intake: Visit website to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/honored-2-helps-6th-annual-back-2-school-bbq-tickets-1991879912438
• Distribution: 11 am – 5 pm, Saturday, August 15th
• Description: Free event (free parking) with backpacks filled with school supplies, BBQ, activities, prizes, and community resources (while supplies last) CLOSED

CLOSED Keystone School Supply Giveaway Event

• Address: Merriam Park Community Center, 2000 Saint Anthony Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104
• Website: https://keystoneservices.org/events/school-supply-distribution-event-3/2026-08-20/
• Serves: Open to all
• Eligibility: Children in grades K – 12
• Intake: Walk in; School Supplies are first come, first served while supplies last
• Distribution: 2 pm – 4 pm Thursday, August 20^th
• Description: Provides free backpacks filled with school supplies CLOSED

CLOSED Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board - Back to School Bash

• Address: Loring Park 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
• Serves: Open to all
• Registration: Walk in for the event
• Distribution: 12 noon - 2 pm Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Description: Provides an event giving away free school supplies (while supplies last), music, and games CLOSED

CLOSED Were Doing Our Own Thing - 2026 Backpack Giveaway

• Address: Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN
• Eligibility: Open to all
• Intake: Walk-in
• Distribution: 12 noon - 3 pm, Saturday August 22, 2026
• Description: Provides backpack, school supplies, haircut, and more. CLOSED

CLOSED Wireless Zone 2026 Backpack Giveaway

• Distribution: Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 1 pm till supplies last
• Eligibility: Open to all
• Registration: Walk-in first come-first served. No registration is needed.
• Where: Visit https://wirelesszone.com/backpack-giveaway/ to find a participating store
• Description: Stop by a store for a free backpack filled with school supplies. While supplies last. One backpack per child. ONLY AT PARTICIPATING LOCATION CLOSED

Anoka County

CLOSED Fridley Public Schools – Back to School Resource Fair

• Address: Fridley High School Parking Lot, 6000 West Moore Lake Drive Fridley, MN 55432
• Phone: (763)502-5000
• Website: https://www.uwbrowncounty.org/united-way-backpack-project
• Serves: Students at Fridley Public Schools
• Eligibility: Students in grades K-12
• Intake: Complete online application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeib3K8g2E1jEbtnZc9JfoxqohhmrsSU5uEoQ8iYC8ds2fMLA/viewform
• Distribution: 10 am – 12 noon Saturday, August 22nd
• Description: Provides backpacks, school supplies, and community resources CLOSED

CARVER COUNTY

CLOSED CAP Agency

• Address: 738 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379
• Phone: (952)496-2125 option 1
• Serves: Clients of CAP who are participating in CAP's Energy Assistance, Head Start, Food Shelf, or other services within the last 12 months and are residents of Carver, Dakota, or Scott County
• Eligibility: Students in grades K - 12
• Registration: Sign up with a CAP staff or call through the main line starting Monday, June 30th
• Distribution: Dates will be arranged once registered, with dates in August or September. Distribution locations are located in Rosemount at 249 145th Street West, Rosemount, MN or Shakopee at 738 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN.
• Description: Backpack filled with school supplies CLOSED

DAKOTA COUNTY

CLOSED Berean Baptist Church - School-A-Palooza

• Address: 309 County Road 42 East, Burnsville, MN 55306
• Eligibility: Students in grades K - 12
• Serves: Residents of Dakota and Scott counties
• Registration: Visit website to register online at https://bereanbaptist.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3607124
• Distribution: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Description: Provides free school supplies, backpacks, shoes, clothes, coats, family activities, and breakfast CLOSED

CLOSED CAP Agency

• Address: 738 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379
• Phone: (952)496-2125 option 1
• Serves: Clients of CAP who are participating in CAP's Energy Assistance, Head Start, Food Shelf, or other services within the last 12 months and are residents of Carver, Dakota, or Scott County
• Eligibility: Students in grades K - 12
• Registration: Sign up with a CAP staff or call through the main line starting Monday, June 30th
• Distribution: Dates will be arranged once registered, with dates in August or September. Distribution locations are located in Rosemount at 249 145th Street West, Rosemount, MN or Shakopee at 738 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN.
• Description: Backpack filled with school supplies CLOSED

CLOSED Community Action Center - Operation Backpack

• Address: Northfield Community Resource Center 1651 Jefferson Parkway, Northfield, MN 55057
• Phone: (507)664-3550
• Eligibility: Children in grades Pre K - 12 enrolled in Northfield School District who could benefit from a free resource
• Registration: Call or visit website online at https://communityactioncenter.org/school-supplies/ to register between Thursday, July 16 - Wednesday, August 12
• Distribution: August 19, 2026
• Description: Provides free backpacks filled with school supplies to students CLOSED

Hastings Family Service - School Supply Assistance

• Address: 301 2nd Street East, Hastings, MN 55033
• Phone: (651)437-7134
• Serves: Families with children who live in Independent School District 200
• Registration: Call to schedule starting Monday, August 3, 2026. Call between 9 am - 4 pm until registration is full. Details will be given about the appointment day and time.
• Documents: Intake form, picture ID for the parent or guardian, current piece of mail postmarked within two weeks or a current utility bill , and proof of child enrolled in the school. If a child is attending school outside of ISD 200, the proof of enrollment must show a home address within the service area.
• Distribution: Monday, August 17- Friday, August 21
• Description: Provides backpacks for children to fill with school supplies based on their school supply list

CLOSED Lakeville Area Schools - Ready, Set, Achieve

• Address: Lakeville North High School Commons, 19600 Ipava Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044
• Donations: Supplies must be new, gender neutral, with no specialized designs. Donations must be bagged in a paper grocery bag and stapled with a list of donated items. Drop off bags August 12-19 between 8:30 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday. Monetary donations in the form of checks are accepted. Visit website for a complete list of items needed at https://www.isd194.org/community/donations-and-scholarships/ready-set-achieve.
• Registration: Walk in first come, first served. No registration is needed.
• Eligibility: Lakeville Area School District students
• Distribution: 12 noon - 4 pm August 20, 2026
• Documents: Bring school ID
• Description: Provides free school supplies to students enrolled in Lakeville Area Schools CLOSED

HENNEPIN COUNTY

2026 CROSS - Christians Reaching Out in Social Service

• Address: 12915 Weinand Circle, Rogers 55374
• Phone: (763)425-1050
• Distribution: Giveaway during the month August at the food shelf; walk in during office hours 9 am - 2 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; 9 am - 7 pm Tuesday
• Serves: Clients of CROSS
• Eligibility: Families with children in grades K - 12 who are residents of Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo, and Rogers
• Registration: Walk in no appointment necessary; meet with staff member for interview. Must be receiving other services within the agency before receiving a backpack.
• Documents: Parents need photo ID, proof of address
• Description: Provides filled elementary and secondary backpacks for families

CLOSED PRISM - People Responding in Social Ministry

• Address: 1220 Zane Avenue North, Golden Valley, MN 55422
• Serves: Residents of Golden Valley, New Hope, Robbinsdale, Crystal, or Plymouth with proof of residency (lease or current utility bill).
• Eligibility: Families with children entering grades K - 12; children must live in the home and must be verified in order to receive supplies (e.g., birth certificate, medical records, social security card, or school enrollment records).
• Registration: Open now until Friday, July 31^st visit website to register https://prismmpls.org/celebrating-children/#birthday, and a case manager will reach out to schedule your appointment to receive school supplies. Supplies will be distributed while they last.
• Documents: Birth certificate, medical records, social security card, or school enrollment records for each child; Lease or current utility bill for proof of residency
• Description: Free backpack and school supplies CLOSED

CLOSED ResourceWest

• Location: 13231 Minnetonka Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305
• Phone: (952)933-3860
• Distribution: School supplies will be distributed Saturday, August 22, 2026, by scheduled appointment for registered families
• Eligibility: Families with children in grades K–12 who live in Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood, or Woodland, or whose children attend the Hopkins or Minnetonka School Districts
• Registration: Visit website https://resourcewest-appointments.as.me/ or call to register beginning Monday, July 13, 2026
• Documentation: Bring guardian photo ID, proof of current address, and identification for each registered child (birth certificate, social security card, or medical card)
• Description: Free backpacks stuffed with basic, grade-specific school supplies CLOSED

RAMSEY COUNTY

CLOSED Merrick Community Services – Backpack Giveaway

• Address: 1669 North Arcade Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106
• Serves: Residents of Ramsey County
• Eligibility: Ramsey County families with children K-12
• Intake: No pre-registration; walk-in day of event
• Website: https://merrickcs.org/home/2026-backpack-giveaway/
• Documents Required: Proof of residency will be required at the event. Photo ID, utility bill, or lease. For each child, individuals must also bring a school ID, medical card, or Social Security card.
• Distribution: 4:30 pm – 8 pm, Thursday, August 20th
• Description: Free backpack giveaway with age-appropriate school supplies; free food will be served CLOSED

SCOTT COUNTY

CLOSED Berean Baptist Church - School-A-Palooza

• Address: 309 County Road 42 East, Burnsville, MN 55306
• Serves: Residents of Dakota and Scott counties
• Eligibility: Students in grades K - 12
• Registration: Visit website to register online at https://bereanbaptist.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3607124
• Distribution: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Saturday, August 15, 2026
• Description: Provides free school supplies, backpacks, shoes, clothes, coats, family activities, and breakfast CLOSED

CLOSED CAP Agency

• Address: 738 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379
• Phone: (952)496-2125 option 1
• Serves: Clients of CAP who are participating in CAP's Energy Assistance, Head Start, Food Shelf, or other services within the last 12 months and are residents of Carver, Dakota, or Scott County
• Eligibility: Students in grades K - 12
• Registration: Sign up with a CAP staff or call through the main line starting Monday, June 30th
• Distribution: Dates will be arranged once registered, with dates in August or September. Distribution locations are located in Rosemount at 249 145th Street West, Rosemount, MN or Shakopee at 738 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN.
• Description: Backpack filled with school supplies CLOSED

WASHINGTON COUNTY

CLOSED Community Thread and United Way of Washington County - Stuff the Bus Event

• Phone: Erin McQuay (651)439-3838 ext. 4
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Oak Park Learning Center, 6355 Osman Avenue North, Stillwater, MN 55082 or Brookview Elementary, 11099 Brookview Road, Woodbury, MN 55129
• Serves: Families with children in grades Pre-K - 12 who live and attend school in Washington County
• Registration: Visit website at https://www.uwwce.org/stuff-the-bus to register online. Registration online is open now until July 23.
• Documents: Proof of address such as a piece of mail with current address, utility bill, paycheck stub, or bank account dated within the last 60 days
• Distribution: Families will reserve a time for curbside pick-up at one of the elementary schools. An email reminder will be sent for the scheduled pick-up.
• Description: Provides free school supplies CLOSED

CLOSED Rangers Supporting Rangers School Supply Backpack Program

• Address: Distribution will be held at various school locations during the school's Open House
• Phone: (651)982-8110
• Email: [email protected]
• Serves: Forest Lake Area School District students
• Eligibility: Students in grades K - 12 of the Forest Lake School District
• Registration: Register online by July 31, 2026 and choose the school the child will be enrolled for 2026-2027 school year. Visit website at https://flaschools.arux.app/course/8804/spr-sum-2026-apr-aug%E2%80%941/rangers-supporting-rangers-school-supply-backpack-program.
• Distribution: Backpacks and school supplies will be available at Open House where the student attends for 2026-2027 school year. Information will be provided once registered.
• Description: Free backpack and school supply program CLOSED