Free School Supplies Near Knoxville, TN: Back to School Events 2023

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 and Back to School Events in Knoxville

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.

Free school supplies and back to school events in Knoxville, TN

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

8 thoughts on “Free School Supplies Near Knoxville, TN: Back to School Events 2023”

    • 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.

      Reply
  1. 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

    Reply

Leave a Comment