View Search Results
Search Results
Engages the community in collecting donations of new school supplies and backpacks. Donations received are then sorted and packed into new backpacks that are distributed to registered Douglas and Pope County K-12 students.
Provides students, families, and community members with access to information and support from community agencies addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, energy assistance, shelter, and healthcare. The resource rooms maintain limited supplies of clothing, personal household items, and food for immediate access. They accept donations of winter gear (coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves), sweatpants, socks, t-shirts, and gift cards (Visa, Target, Walmart, gas, Cub Foods, etc.).
What's Here
School supplies offered in August, to children who attend Foley schools, grades K - 12. Provides school supplies appropriate to the student's grade will be available along with backpacks. School supply donations are accepted from the community at any time.
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 1st
- 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 20th
- 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 31st 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
What's Here
Information is listed below for residents of the following counties: Benton, Crow Wing, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright. 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
CLOSED BeMobile's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway
- Distribution: Tuesday, July 21st - Thursday, July 23rd
- Eligibility: Open to all families in need of free school supplies and a backpack
- Registration: Walk-in, first come-first served until supplies last
- Where: Visit the https://bemobile.com/13thannualbackpackgiveaway/for participating BeMobile Verizon stores
- Description: Provides a free backpack filled with school supplies. There is a limit of 3 backpacks per family to ensure that as many families as possible can benefit from this event. Every guest who picks up a backpack or visits a BeMobile Verizon store during the event dates can enter to win a $500 shopping spree to help with back-to-school needs. CLOSED
CLOSED 2026 United Way of Central Minnesota - School Supply Drive
- Intake: Visit https://www.unitedwayhelps.org/school-supply-drive for information on the list of items most needed or to make monetary donations. School supplies can be dropped off at the following locations from now until Friday, August 14th:
United Way of Central Minnesota
921 1st Street NorthSt. Cloud, MN 563038 am – 4 pm Monday-Thursday
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union2835 West Saint Germain StreetSt Cloud, MN 56301
SCHEELS (Customer Service Desk)30 Waite Avenue North, Suite 94, Waite Park, MN 56301
Description: Accepts donations of school supplies and monetary donations to buy bulk school supplies that will be distributed to students in need. All school supplies will be donated to schools and youth programs around Central Minnesota. 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 LOCATIONS CLOSED
CLOSED Zimmerman Community Church - Block Party and Backpack Giveaway
- Address: 12567 5th Avenue North, Suite 200, Zimmerman, MN 55398
- Phone: (763)308-5780
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://zcchurch.org
- Serves: Open to all
- Eligibility: Parents with elementary or Junior High students
- Intake: Walk in
- Distribution: 5 pm – 8 pm Wednesday, August 19th
- Description: Provides food, games, bounce house, and free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last CLOSED
BENTON COUNTY
CROSS Center of Benton County
- Address: 150 4th Avenue Foley, MN, 56329
- Serves: Children in grades K – 12 in need of school supplies who are residents of Benton County who attend Foley Public Schools Independent School District 51
- Registration: Walk in during the month of August from 1 pm – 7 pm Monday; 11 am – 3 pm Thursday
- Description: Provides free backpacks and school supplies
SHERBURNE COUNTY
CLOSED Community Backpack Event – Partnership of Main Street Family Services Family Resource Center, the Boys and Girls Club, CAER Food Shelf, and the Salvation Army
- Address: Boys and Girls Club, 905 6th Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330
- Serves: Residents of Sherburne County and/or Intermediate School District 728
- Eligibility: Families with school-age children in grades K-12
- Registration: Visit website to register https://forms.office.com/r/HPXhGmjqYq
- Distribution: 11 am – 3 pm Saturday, August 8th
- Description: Families will receive a backpack filled with school supplies (while supplies last) and have access to a variety of free resources and services, including: Backpack and school supply distribution, shoe distribution (while supplies last), fresh produce distribution, and a Community resource fair featuring local organizations. CLOSED
WRIGHT COUNTY
CROSS Center of Benton County
- Address: 150 4th Avenue Foley, MN, 56329
- Serves: Children in grades K – 12 in need of school supplies who are residents of Benton County who attend Foley Public Schools Independent School District 51
- Registration: Walk in during the month of August from 1 pm – 7 pm Monday; 11 am – 3 pm Thursday
- Description: Provides free backpacks and school supplies
CLOSED Project Pencils
- Serves: Children who attend a public school in Wright County
- Eligibility: Individuals and families with children who are in Kindergarten – 12th grade
- Registration: Visit the website https://www.projectpencils.com/request.html to complete a separate form for each student needing the supplies. Only one parent can request supplies for the student
- Distribution: Pick-up location will be in St. Michael and the address will be sent via the confirmation e-mail. Pick up dates will be 9 am – 1 pm Saturday, August 15th and 4 pm – 8 pm Tuesday, August 18th
- Description: Provides school supplies CLOSED
Information will be listed here when it becomes available for residents of the following counties: Becker, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Roseau, Red Lake, Stevens, Traverse, Wadena, and Wilkin. 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
CLOSED BeMobile's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway
- Distribution: Tuesday, July 21st - Thursday, July 23rd
- Eligibility: Open to all families in need of free school supplies and a backpack
- Registration: Walk-in, first come-first served until supplies last
- Where: Visit the https://bemobile.com/13thannualbackpackgiveaway/for Participating BeMobile Verizon stores
- Description: Provides a free backpack filled with school supplies. There is a limit of 3 backpacks per family to ensure that as many families as possible can benefit from this event. Every guest who picks up a backpack or visits a BeMobile Verizon store during the event dates can enter to win a $500 shopping spree to help with back-to-school needs. CLOSED
What's Here
Information will be listed here when it becomes available for residents of the following counties: Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, and Wabasha. 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
CLOSED BeMobile's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway
- Distribution: Tuesday, July 21st - Thursday, July 23rd
- Eligibility: Open to all families in need of free school supplies and a backpack
- Registration: Walk-in, first come-first served until supplies last
- Where: Visit the https://bemobile.com/13thannualbackpackgiveaway/for Participating BeMobile Verizon stores
- Description: Provides a free backpack filled with school supplies. There is a limit of 3 backpacks per family to ensure that as many families as possible can benefit from this event. Every guest who picks up a backpack or visits a BeMobile Verizon store during the event dates can enter to win a $500 shopping spree to help with back-to-school needs. 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 LOCATIONS CLOSED
DODGE COUNTY
CLOSED Ready, Set, Learn of Dodge County
- Address: 601 Clay Street, Mantorville, MN 55955
- Phone: (316)390-5368
- Email: [email protected]
- Serves residents of Dodge County
- Eligibility: Children in pre-school through grade 12 who are living or going to school in Dodge County
- Registration: Print application: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DjQDLs1AaB7EzRsI9D4KYVcjXWtEMg4g/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawSdL-VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe_CJCSMIozNY9j2tG9Q4hQp2NtPCkMiMjUovzf9i2DYerSvanmCox-9Hoiy4_aem_gjWLItjvsoug6yyszrBdeA or pick up/drop off at:
- 601 Clay Street, Mantorville
- Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 301 8th Avenue NW, Kasson
- Ziebell Law Office, 13 West Main Street, Suite 4, Kasson
- Applications open now until Monday, July 27 at 5 pm
- Documents: Application form
- Distribution: 5 pm – 7 pm, Monday August 10 and Tuesday August 11
- Description: School supplies and backpacks CLOSED
OLMSTED COUNTY
CLOSED Rochester People's Action Community Back to School Block Party and Parade
- Address: Soldiers Field Park, Rochester, MN 55902
- Serves: Rochester
- Intake: Walk in 12 noon - 4 pm Saturday, August 15
- Description: Provides free school supplies, food, music, games, and local vendors CLOSED
RICE COUNTY
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 webiste 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
What's Here
The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:
Food programs
- Food shelf vouchers
Application assistance
- Food support
- Health insurance
- Social security benefits
Seasonal
- School supply distribution
- Winter clothing
- Food baskets
- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need
Outreach and referrals to
- Budgeting
- Housing
- Medical services
- Parenting education
- Transportation
What's Here
The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:
Food programs
- Food shelf vouchers
Application assistance
- Food support
- Health insurance
- Social security benefits
Seasonal
- School supply distribution
- Winter clothing
- Food baskets
- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need
Outreach and referrals to
- Budgeting
- Housing
- Medical services
- Parenting education
- Transportation
What's Here
An emergency fund for students to provide clothing, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, and required materials for class projects.
Information will be listed here when it becomes available for residents of the following counties: Aitkin, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Itasca, Koochiching, and Lake of the Woods. 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
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 LOCATIONS CLOSED
AITKIN COUNTY
Stuff the Bus
- Distribution: Thursday, August 27th at 12 pm - 5 pm at the Yanmar Arena.
- Eligibility: Open to ALICE families with students enrolled in Deer River (ISD 317), Grand Rapids Area Schools (ISD 318), Greenway (ISD 316), Hill City (ISD 2), and Warba (Northern Lights Community School)
- Registration: Register at https://uwlakes.org/stuff-the-bus/
- Where: Pick up at Yanmar Arena (1401 NW 3rd Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 55744)
- Description: Register for a free backpack full of school supplies. Any backpack not picked up will be delivered to the child's school during the first week of class. Backpacks are tailored to student's grade level.
ITASCA COUNTY
Stuff the Bus
- Distribution: Thursday, August 27th at 12 pm - 5 pm at the Yanmar Arena.
- Eligibility: Open to ALICE families with students enrolled in Deer River (ISD 317), Grand Rapids Area Schools (ISD 318), Greenway (ISD 316), Hill City (ISD 2), and Warba (Northern Lights Community School)
- Registration: Register at https://uwlakes.org/stuff-the-bus/
- Where: Pick up at Yanmar Arena (1401 NW 3rd Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 55744)
- Description: Register for a free backpack full of school supplies. Any backpack not picked up will be delivered to the child's school during the first week of class. Backpacks are tailored to student's grade level.
What's Here
The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:
Food programs
- Food shelf vouchers
Application assistance
- Food support
- Health insurance
- Social security benefits
Seasonal
- School supply distribution
- Winter clothing
- Food baskets
- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need
Outreach and referrals to
- Budgeting
- Housing
- Medical services
- Parenting education
- Transportation
What's Here
Provides various forms of relief to military families through its programs, such as:
- Critical Financial Assistance: Rent, mortgage, utility, and medical bills; based on need
- Recurring Family Support programs: Back to School Brigade, Holiday Meals for Military, Star Spangled Baby Showers, Holiday Toy Drive, and Military Child of the Year.
- Vehicle Repair
What's Here
Children can pick out a backpack and fill it with school supplies based on their school's supply list, with quantities adjusted as needed. Seasonal distribution days are annually in August and are available by appointment throughout the school year.
What's Here
The goals of the Family Development programs are to assist families in crisis situations, meet basic needs, and to strive towards and maintain self-sufficiency Services may include:
Food programs
- Food shelf vouchers
Application assistance
- Food support
- Health insurance
- Social security benefits
Seasonal
- School supply distribution
- Winter clothing
- Food baskets
- Toys and holiday gifts to families in need
Outreach and referrals to
- Budgeting
- Housing
- Medical services
- Parenting education
- Transportation
What's Here
Provides free school supplies; school supply donations accepted year-round
Assistance with: - Lodging for individuals experiencing homelessness - Rent assistance (in case of eviction) - Seasonal/holiday help - Utility assistance (in case of shut-off)
Collaborative effort that provides new back-to-school supplies to Olmsted County families with children in grades preK-12: - Backpacks and supplies are distributed to students through participating school districts - Donations are accepted online in early July when the supply drive opens - Organizations, groups, or businesses may participate by holding their own drive online - Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals or groups
Emergency fund to provide clothing, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, and required materials for class projects.
Services vary from county to county; volunteer opportunities included for interested community members. Services may include: Basic needs: - Back-to-school assistance - Food - Housing - Other emergency needs - Transportation - Utility assistance Summer camps for youth Thrift store vouchers for clothing/household goods
Information will be listed here when it becomes available for residents of the following counties: Big Stone, Brown, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Faribault, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur; Lincoln, Lyon, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sibley, Swift, Waseca, Watonwan, and Yellow Medicine. 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
CLOSED BeMobile's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway
- Distribution: Tuesday, July 21st - Thursday, July 23rd
- Eligibility: Open to all families in need of free school supplies and a backpack
- Registration: Walk-in, first come-first served until supplies last
- Where: Visit the https://bemobile.com/13thannualbackpackgiveaway/for Participating BeMobile Verizon stores
- Description: Provides a free backpack filled with school supplies. There is a limit of 3 backpacks per family to ensure that as many families as possible can benefit from this event. Every guest who picks up a backpack or visits a BeMobile Verizon store during the event dates can enter to win a $500 shopping spree to help with back-to-school needs. 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
BROWN COUNTY
CLOSED United Way of the Brown County Area
- Address: 1212 North Franklin Street, New Ulm, MN 56073
- Phone: (507)354-6512
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.uwbrowncounty.org/united-way-backpack-project
- Serves: Students who attend a school in Brown County
- Eligibility: Students in grades K-13 who qualify for school educational benefits
- Registration: Now – Friday, July 24th
- Intake: Complete application form. Application forms can be completed online, emailed, dropped off in person (United Way of the Brown County Area, 108 North, New Ulm, MN, 56073), or mailed (United Way of the Brown County Area, PO Box 476, New Ulm, MN, 56073)
- Documents:
- Distribution: 8 am – 8 pm Tuesday, August 4th. Email to arrange an alternate pick-up date if needed.
- Description: Provides new backpack and school supplies CLOSED
What's Here
Offers the following children's programming:
- Baby and Toddler Care Packages: Clients participating in the food shelf may receive a care package for babies and toddlers that includes diapers or pull-ups, wipes, and other items as available, such as onesies, hats, baby lotion, and body wash. Formula, bottles, and baby food may also be available. Care packages are assembled based on diaper size. Not all items are available at all times based on supply.
- Birthday Bags: Clients participating in the food shelf may receive a “Birthday Bag” for each child’s birthday. Bags are filled with candles, cake decorations, party favors for 6–8 kids, themed plates and napkins, colorful party decorations (table cloths, paper streamers, etc.), and small toys or crafts. Parents may also pick up a birthday cake or cupcakes. Families should notify CEAP when scheduling a food appointment if a child has an upcoming birthday.
- LearnStrong Back To School: Provides backpacks filled with school supplies to families in the community through a curbside distribution program. Backpacks are provided and assembled by generous community partners and individual donors.
- Toys of Joy Holiday Program: A special event held in December where parents can shop for toys for their children in CEAP’s Community Room. Community partners and individual donors provide gifts.
Operates a thrift store and clothing pantry, and redistributes donated goods such as clothing, furniture, household items, school supplies, and emergency resources to help people move out of crises.
What's Here
Helps youth who need support to thrive in the community. Services included:
- Bus cards to get around
- Case management
- Clothing items
- Financial counseling classes include bank accounts, budgeting, credit counseling, and savings
- Food Resources
- Hygiene products
- One on one individual mentoring and goal planning
- School needs such as school supplies and advocating on for children at school
- Shoes
- Young teen pregnancy (resources to help adolescents who dropped out of school go back and get their High School diploma or GED)
Provides a clothing closet of new or secondhand clothing. Also, accepts donations of gently used items. Items offered: - Adults and children's clothing - Necessities based on available resources - Household items - Limited school supplies - Winter gear or winter clothing