As inflation continues to increase the prices of everyday items including essential school supplies, there are a number of ways to find free and/or discounted school supplies in your area.
1.) Baltimore Salvation Army: Salvation Army is known for partnering with local or national retailers to provide new school supplies for K-12 students including shoes, clothes, backpacks, etc. Click here to contact your local Salvation Army to learn about donation drives or back-to-school events https://www.sa-md.org/.
2.) Buy Nothing Project: BuyNothing is a free app that you can download on your phone. As a member, you can ask for items you need, such as school supplies. If other members respond, you can claim the supplies by making arrangements to pick them up. Be sure to exercise caution and meet in a public place for pick up https://buynothingproject.org/.
3.) Facebook Groups: If you have a Facebook account, you can access the Groups and Facebook Marketplace features. There, you can search for and request free school supplies. Parenting groups are also a great place to find free school supplies. Be sure to exercise caution and meet in a public place for pick up https://www.facebook.com/groups/832839047642600.
4.) County Schools: Talk to your child’s school district or local board of education for free school supplies. School administrators, teachers, and/or guidance counselors may know resources available to get your child ready for the upcoming year!