For many, the excitement and thrill of back-to-school can be overshadowed by the steep financial burden of supply shopping. Thankfully, these fantastic events with free school supplies near Chattanooga help to ease the worry for many families throughout the region.
Whether you find yourself in need this school year or are able to make a donation, the events listed below help struggling families by providing free school supplies throughout the Chattanooga area. Click any of the links below to view more details about what types of donations are accepted and what supplies are given out.
For your convenience, the events are listed with Chattanooga and Hamilton County first, with all other counties following in alphabetical order.
Free School Supplies Near Chattanooga and Hamilton County
Back to School Bash
August 5, 2023
Tennessee River Park, Chattanooga
At this fun annual back-to-school event, families will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities and learn about community resources.
East Brainerd Back to School Bash
July 21, 2023
This fun back-to-school event will include door prizes, water slides, hot dogs, water slides, and more.
Nehemiah Project
July 29, 2023
Chattanooga Area Food Bank
The Bethlehem Center and Backpack Chattanooga join forces each year to provide free backpacks and school supplies for local community members in need.
Backpack Chattanooga
Together with the Bethlehem Center, Backpack Chattanooga donates fully stocked backpacks directly to in-need schools.
Back to School Events in Bledsoe County
Give a Child a Chance
July 20, 2023
Bledsoe County High School
This back-to-school event, hosted by Bledsoe County Public Schools, provides free school supplies and a backpack to any student in the district, while supplies last. Students must be present.
Bradley County
Per a phone call to Bradley County Public Schools, the school system receives donations directly, through local organizations and churches. If your church or organization would like to help, please contact BCPS at (423) 476-0620.
If you are struggling to afford school supplies, you should contact your child’s individual school to request assistance.
McMinn County
Stuff the Bus
Look for Stuff the Bus collection containers inside your local Staples. These collection containers are hosted by United Way and all supplies collected will be donated directly to McMinn County Public Schools and Meigs County Public Schools, where they will be distributed to those in need.
Contact your child’s school if you will need supplies or would like to donate directly to the school.
Meigs County
Give a Kid a Chance
August 5, 2023
Piggly Wiggly, Decatur
Families in need must pre-register by June 30th for this event at the Meigs County Health Department and must be verified residents of Meigs County. Event attendees will receive a t-shirt, a new backpack, and school supplies.
There will also be booths set up to help connect families with various community services throughout the region. If you have not pre-registered, you can still attend the event to visit the booths. You can also apply to receive surplus school supplies, as available.
Rhea County
Give a Kid a Chance
July 27, 2023
Rhea County Fair Grounds
Free school supplies will be given to Rhea County kids in need. Families must pre-register for this event.
Sequatchie County
Give a Kid a Chance
July 28, 2023
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, Dunlap
Students still receive a free backpack with school supplies, while supplies last.
Erica has lived in East TN for over 9 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!