Need free backpacks for your kids this school year but aren’t sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. As a parent, you know how expensive it can be to get all the needed school supplies for your kids. New backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils – the list goes on and on. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to get some or all of these essential items for free?
Well thanks to the many resources available in the US, you can get free backpacks and other school supplies to help your kids start the new school year with the gear they need. In this guide, we’re going to talk about some of the best non-profit organizations you can reach out to for this back-to-school season.
United Way
The first on our list is United Way. The United Way is a great organization that provides backpacks and school supplies for kids in need. Many local United Way chapters organize free backpacks and free school supply giveaways each summer.
How to Find School Supplies With United Way
First, check if there are any backpack giveaway events happening in your area. They often partner with companies like Walmart or Target to donate backpacks and work with the local school district to identify children in need of assistance. Events are usually held in July or August before school starts, so mark your calendar!
Salvation Army
Next we have the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to families and children in need. One of their annual back-to-school programs offers free backpacks filled with essential school supplies for students.
Locating a Salvation Army Distribution Center
To find a Salvation Army location near you that is distributing free backpacks, visit their website and enter your zip code. Most distribution events take place in late July and August before the school year begins. Some areas may have more than one event, so check back regularly for updates.
Once you locate your nearest distribution center, contact them to verify the date and time of their backpack giveaway. Most events are on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early. Bring some form of ID for yourself and ID or report cards for each child to verify their grade level.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary financial assistance for pregnant women and families with children. TANF can help pay for essential items you need for your kids to start school, including new backpacks.
To receive TANF money, you’ll first need to apply for and be accepted into your state’s TANF program. Requirements vary but typically involve being low-income, unemployed or underemployed, pregnant, or responsible for children under 18. You’ll have to provide information like pay stubs, bills, and other financial records to determine your eligibility.
How do I Receive TANF Benefits
If accepted, you’ll receive funds on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to pay for necessities like food, shelter, transportation, or clothing. You can of course also use this money to buy new backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils, clothes, and other supplies your kids need to start the school year. The exact amount depends on factors like your income, family size, and available funding in your state.
Many stores like Walmart, Target, Staples, and Office Depot accept EBT cards for back-to-school supplies. You can also shop at thrift stores, outlet stores, or buy in bulk to make the most of your benefit amount. Don’t forget to check for student discounts and coupons to save even more.
Kids in Need Program
The Kids in Need Foundation (KINF) is a non-profit organization that provides free school supplies, including backpacks, to children from low-income families across the U.S. and Canada. Their Kids in Need program helps ensure that every child is ready to learn when they start the school year.
KINF partners with schools and teachers in underserved communities to help students in need of assistance. Teachers request backpacks and specific school supplies for their students, and the Kids in Need Foundation delivers these essential items before the first day of school.
Get a FREE PHONE For Back-to-School!
If your children are now teenagers, you may want to find a way to reliably stay in touch with them without spending so much on expensive phones and phone plans. And look at it like this: If you’re currently spending money on a phone, you can trade out the costs with brand new backpacks and low cost school supplies for your children!
With EASY Wireless, you can qualify for a FREE phone and FREE unlimited data plan if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
Lifeline/ACP Programs with EASY Wireless.
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are government programs designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for eligible low-income individuals and families. At EASY Wireless, we understand the importance of affordable connectivity for everyone, and we want to help you access the benefits of these programs so you can stay connected and start your virtual education without breaking the bank.
What Benefits Do You Get With EASY Wireless?
Upon enrolling in one of the programs above, you can receive EASY Wireless benefits such as:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying Program.
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Program participation documents, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or SSI benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
