Did you know there are a number of community events giving away free school supplies in Upstate, SC?
Do you know of a family who needs help purchasing school supplies this year? A new school year is almost upon us. For most families a trip to the store for new supplies is imminent. These events will distribute free back-to-school supplies, so you have one less thing to worry about this school year!
A recent study revealed that most families of school-age children in the US spend between $500-700 on new school supplies. This amounts to a whopping estimated 80.7 billion dollars! That’s a lot of composition notebooks!
This list is currently being updated for 2025 as we receive information.
How Do I Get Free School Supplies for My Kids?
Some Upstate families struggle to make ends meet, and the added burden of school supply lists is often more than they can afford. Typically when families can’t afford to send the proper tools to school, heroic teachers wind up closing the gap with their own money. For this reason, communities have begun stepping up to the plate and offering families necessities at these free school supply drives.
These are often given away at fun events so that children don’t feel stigmatized. Some events also giveaway a cook-out-style lunch, have live music, and even things like bounce houses. One of the easiest ways to get free school supplies for your kids is to look for these events in your area. Many are held at human service departments or local churches. Below you will free school supply events in Upstate, SC counties. Once you get your supplies, you will be able to look at what your child’s school requires and make a few marks on your checklist.
2025 FREE School Supplies Events Near Greenville, SC
We’ve compiled a list of local groups holding these types of events and will continue to update the list as more are announced.
Back to School Book Bag Give-a-way
Easley, SC- Getty’s Middle School
Sunshine Gantt Ministries and Caring And Nurturing
July 19, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm
The event is FREE and includes a first-come-first-served backpack giveaway, filled with school supplies. There will also be free bounce houses, food, music, and more.
Back to School Book Bag Give-a-way
United Way School Tools
Carolina High School, 2725 Anderson Road, Greenville
August 2, 2025, 9 am to 2 pm
This free school supply giveaway will include free school supplies and backpacks given to students, information on assistance programs and free and low-cost after-school activities, free food, and music.
United Way School Tools Day
Back to School Giveaway
Capstone Church – 601 Fairview St Fountain Inn, SC
July 26, 2025 at 11 am – 1 pm
Free school supplies, backpacks, games, and food.
Back to School Giveaway
Back to School Supply Drive
Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin
July 27th, 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm
Free school supplies, games, refreshments, and prizes.
Back to School Supply
Free Backpack Giveaway at TCC Verizon Stores
8 TCC Verizon locations across the Upstate
Sunday, July 27th, 2025, 1 pm While supplies last
Free Backpack Giveaway
Children in need of school supplies can pop into any one of 8 Upstate TCC Verizon Stores for a backpack and school supplies. One backpack is available per child while supplies last. The participating locations are:
- 3935 Pelham Road, Greenville
- 2007 Augusta Street, Greenville
- 2603 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville
- 3550 Highway 153, Greenville
- 2098 East Main Street, Duncan
- 2190 Southport Road, Spartanburg
- 127618 Mile Road, Central
- 1708 East Greenville Street, Anderson
Pack Your Bags Picnic + Backpack Giveaway
Woodruff Road Christian Church, 20 Bell Road, Greenville
August 2nd, 2025, 11 am – 2 pm
Pack Your Bags Picnic with free school supplies, a free picnic, and more. Students must have adults in attendance.
Back to School & Community Resource Bash
Greenville Elks Lodge, 7700 Pelham Road, Greenville
August 16, 2025, 10 am – 3 pm
Free back to school items, food, games. Open to the public.
BTS & Community Resource Giveaway
Greenville’s Noble Market Back to School Drive
Noble Dog Hotel, Hampton Station, Greenville
Sunday, August 17th, from 11 AM to 1 PM
In addition to their monthly market, this market will feature a back-to-school drive with school supplies for children in need. Supplies are limited, so go early if you are in need.
More School Supply Events in Greenville County: From our calendar
No Events
2025 Free School Supplies Events Near Spartanburg, SC
First Choice by Select Health “Jump Start” Back to School
Spartanburg, SC
Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 9 am – 12 pm
Free school supplies, including backpacks, for students in the community in grades K – 12. There will also be back-to-school information and community resource information available
First Choice South Carolina Facebook
More Spartanburg School Supply Events: From our calendar
October
No Events
November
No Events
2025 Free School Supplies Events in Anderson County
No Events
More events coming soon!
We hope this info helps every child in the Upstate to get off to a wonderful new school year!
It’s Time for Back to School!
Check out our Ultimate Back to School Guide to help ease the transition from summer to school!
How can I find how to donate to these organizations?
You can contact them directly.
Where can I get free backpack in Greenville Texas
You’ll have to look that up in your hometown. This is Greenville, South Carolina.