Tracking Down Free School Supplies in Toledo, 2015

It's that time of year, when people in need of school supplies for their kids but short on cash look for programs. The problem is that some programs are pretty sporadic or one-time. Worst of all, if you Google it (which is probably how you ended up here), you will get old stories from the local online newspaper, with a current date at the top! What to do?

You can call your local church or Salvation Army office to see if they know of a church or charity that is running a school supply program. Better yet, try your local 211 number or website.  If you can, search under "free school supplies" it's a United Way subject heading--and you will find a listing of organizations known to UW as givers in this particular field. For instance, I did this in the Toledo 211 website, and it lead to this link.  Or, if you are in Detroit or southeast Michigan, try Julie's List's rundown on free/cheap supplies, including computers.

Finding Free School Supplies in Toledo and Other Places

While the start of school is more than a month away, the time for low-income parents to think about school supplies is now.  The Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio will begin taking applications for free school supplies on July 23rd and 24th at the office on 620 N. Erie.  Parents will need to bring information about each child and proof of custody.  For more information, call 419-241-1138.  Supplies will be handed out on August 13th.

If you live elsewhere, where do you find out about school supplies?  One place is the 211 directory.If you check that link and see whether your town has an online 211 directory, the subject heading to use for the search is "free school supplies"--or you could simply call 211 in your town.  If you have a cell phone, you may have to use the alternative number listed.  Toledo's 211 directory lists two organizations--Mustard Seed Outreach Ministries, which only provides them for kids in the 43611 zip code, and Pilgrim Church at 1375 W. Sylvania.  However, many other churches may offer this service, so calling 211 may be a good option. 

Where to Find Back to School Supplies in Toledo, Southeast Michigan and Elsewhere

Now the NFL training camp is in full swing, and we are starting to see preseason game ads, fall and school are not far behind.  Some charities and churches around the country are working to see that low-income children have supplies to start off the year. 

Nationwide, the Salvation Army has teamed up with Target to provide $80 gift certificates to about 12,000 kids around the country to get school supplies at their stores.  To find out about this program, see the Salvation Army location near you between now and September 15th.  To find out if this program is in your community, contact your local Salvation Army office. 

The majority of such programs, however, are run by various local churches and charities, and one of the best ways to find out about them is to contact your local 211 office, or United Way.  In the Toledo Ohio, area, I've been able to identify these:

Salvation Army—August 14 &15, 9-11 am and 1-3 pm Participants must have the following: Picture ID, verification of address, documents of children and certification of income. To find out more please call (419) 241-1138.

Armory Church—Health Fair, August 18, 10-4 School Supply for those in Kindergarten through College age. The Armory Church is located at 3319 Nebraska, Toledo 43607, (419) 537-9736 Website on church website. .

Foundation Stone Christian Church—Health Fair August 21, 11-1 pm 4532 Woodville Road, Northwood 43619, (419) 693-5102 Participants must bring picture ID.

Westgate Chapel—Back to School Fair, August 11, 9 am -3 pm 2500 Wilford, Toledo 43615, 419-841-8077 Church website with event information.

In Detroit and Southeast Michigan,Julie's List keeps on keeping on, as usual.  Here's a link to their list of school supply donation events in the Detroit area (see about halfway down the page.