For many families in East Tennessee, the excitement of back-to-school is laced with worry. The yearly school supply list is just another source of stress when a family is already struggling to meet basic needs.
These back-to-school events help to ease some of the burden, by providing free school supplies to in-need families throughout the region.
Below you’ll find all the details about how to register for school supplies, and how to donate. For your convenience, events in Knoxville and Knox County are listed first, while all remaining counties are listed below in alphabetical order.
Click any event name to verify the details or get additional information.
Free School Supplies in Knoxville and Knox County
Mission of Hope Back to School Program
This back-to-school program donates fully stocked backpacks to high-needs schools where they are distributed by the teachers and administration based on need. Follow the link to donate.
Make a Teacher Smile
This program donates much-needed supplies direct,y to schools where they can be distributed to classrooms as needed. Visit the website to see how you can donate and support this program.
Back to School Bash
July 15, 2023
Dante Church of God, Knoxville
At this back-to-school event, 200 backpacks stocked with school supplies will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis to elementary school children.
You can also sign up in advance to reserve one. Attendees will also enjoy a free worship concert, kids’ activities, and concessions.
Back to School Giveaway
July 23, 2023
1520 Willoughby Rd., Knoxville
Forward Knoxville’s Back to School Giveaway will provide 500 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies to local area children.
School Mania
July 28, 2023
Chilhowee Park, Knoxville
Free school supplies will be distributed to school-aged children residing in Knox County. This is a drive-thru event.
Forward Knoxville’s Back to School Giveaway will provide 500 brand-new backpacks filled with school supplies to local area children.
Shoes For School
August 5, 2023
Caswell Park, 570 Winona Street, Knoxville
This event provides new shoes and stocked backpacks to local area children. It is hosted by the Knoxville Area Urban League.
Free School Supplies Near Knoxville
Below you find school supply giveaway events in the greater Knoxville area.
Anderson County
Aid for Distressed Families in Appalachian Counties
This charitable back-to-school program serves around 4,000 students annually by providing backpacks, school supplies, and more! This charity distributes the filled pack packs to families in need, throughout Anderson County.
Blount County
Helping Hands Blount County
July 15, 2023
Rio Revolution Church, Maryville
All pre-registered children will receive a backpack, school supplies, and a brand-new pair of shoes. There will also be haircuts as time allows.
Helping Hands Greenback
July 22, 2023
Greenback School, Greenback
Just like above, all pre-registered children will receive school supplies, a backpack, and a brand-new pair of shoes. There will also be haircuts as time allows.
Blount County Education Foundation
Donate new school supplies at either the Maryville or Alcoa Walmart during the tax-free weekend. School supply donations collected at this event are distributed directly to schools throughout Blount County,
Cocke County
Sunset Gap School Supply Giveaway
School-age children will be given a new backpack stocked with school supplies. This is a joint charity for Cocke and Sevier counties.
Back to School Bash
July 27, 2023
511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City
School-age children will receive a backpack full of school supplies, while they last. This event serves Cocke, Grainger, and Jefferson Counties.
All attendees must show proof of residency. This event is hosted by Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies.
Grainger County
Back to School Bash
July 27, 2023
511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City
Students will receive a backpack with school supplies, while they last. This event serves Grainger, Cocke, and Jefferson Counties.
This event is hosted by Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies. All attendees must show proof of residency.
Food On Foot Foundation Giveaway
In addition to distributing fully stocked backpacks at the beginning of the school year, this foundation helps local families year-round with over 1200 food bags distributed each month.
They also distribute toys and clothes during the holidays. Donations are accepted all throughout the year.
Hamblen County
Food On Foot Foundation Giveaway
This giveaway helps to ensure that kids in need receive a brand new backpack filled with free school supplies, to help start the year off right.
They also provide monthly food bags, clothes, Christmas gifts, and more! They accept donations all year long.
Jefferson County
Back to School Bash
July 27, 2023
511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City
Children in need can pick up a backpack filled with new school supplies, while they last. This event serves Jefferson, Grainger, and Cocke counties.
This event is hosted by Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies. Attendees must bring proof of residency.
Loudon County
Good Samaritan Center School Supply Distribution
July 24-28, 2023
Good Samaritan Center, Lenoir City
This program provides over 900 fully stocked backpacks each year to the students of Loudon County. Visit the link above if you are in need or would like to donate.
Loudon County Family Resource Center
Families can also contact the Family Resource Center for free school supplies, clothing, food, and more on an as-needed basis.
The resource center doesn’t provide the items directly but will connect you with the local charities that will best meet your needs.
Monroe County
High Fives and School Supplies
July 25, 2023
Madisonville Primary School
Hosted by the Family Resource Center, the first 500 students will receive a new backpack with free school supplies, and a t-shirt. Students must attend either Monroe County Schools or Sweetwater City Schools.
Roane County
South Harriman Baptist Church
July 30, 2023
626 Ruritan Rd., Harriman, TN
Students will receive a new backpack filled with supplies.
Sevier County
Sunset Gap School Supply Giveaway
Students will receive a new fully-stocked backpack. This program is for both Sevier and Cocke counties.
Union County
Backpack Giveaway
July 24, 2023
First Baptist Church of Maynardville
School-age children will receive a new backpack stocked with free school supplies.
If you want us to add your backpack giveaway with free school supplies near Knoxville TN, please send us the details so we can add it to the list.
More East TN Family Fun
Erica has lived in East TN for over 10 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!
Is there any of thise thing near claiborne county that help with school supplies
I am not aware of any large events in Claiborne County. I would contact the school directly to see if they provide supplies on a need basis, or if they know of a smaller charity that may be able to help.
Union county resident, I need 2 reserved please… Please contact me with information.. thank you
This is just a list of resources. You need to click through on the provided link and contact the organization directly to get the school supplies.
Hi!
Is it possible to bring school supplies and pass them out?
Is there an application process to reserve a place to hand them out?
Our family has been a part of the Shoes for School program in Knoxville for the last 7 years and we now live very near the Jeff county line. We shop, eat, and go to church in Jeff county and think of it as home.
We would love to bring supplies and really help out in a community that we have grown to love and appreciate.
Thank you!
Tammy Newman
This sounds amazing! I would contact your local school district and see if you can donate backpacks directly to the school. 🙂
I am in need of shoes for six yr old girl..and a couple school outfits as well..if you can help ..plz contact me
As you are reading through the article you need to click the links that take you directly to the organization’s website. I hope that helps clarify things. 🙂