Back-to-school season is here, and for many parents, it also means opening their wallets a little wider than they’d like for school supplies. The cost of getting kids classroom-ready continues to climb. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) per 10 News, parents of K-12 students are expected to spend an average of $146.45 on traditional school supplies this year, including essentials like notebooks, pencils, folders, and binders.
But that’s only part of the bill. Once you add in clothing, shoes, backpacks, and electronics, the average family is expected to shell out $863.86 per K-12 student for the 2026-2027 school year—a slight increase from $858.07 in 2025.
The good news? Families don’t have to shoulder those costs alone. Across the country, charities, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations are giving away thousands of free backpacks and school supplies before the first bell rings.
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How to get Back-To-School supplies for free: The Salvation Army, Kids In Need Foundation and More.
One of the biggest programs is the Salvation Army’s “Stuff the Bus” campaign, which partners with Walmart locations nationwide to collect and distribute backpacks filled with classroom essentials to children in need.
“Donated supplies go directly to local Salvation Army programs, which distribute them to families who need them most — free of charge, and with dignity,” the Salvation Army’s website states.
United Way of Mid South also hosts school supply drives and giveaway events through its local chapters, helping families stock up on everything from crayons to calculators before school starts.
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