Free School Supplies Near Knoxville, TN: Back to School Events 2021

For many families in East Tennessee, the excitement of back-to-school is laced with worry. Already struggling to meet their basic needs, the yearly school supply list is just another source of stress. 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

Back to School Bash

• Where: Dante Church of God, 410 Dante School Rd, Knoxville
• When: July 17, 2021

At this back-to-school event, 250 backpacks stocked with school supplies will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can also sign up in advance to reserve one. Attendees will also enjoy a free worship concert, kids’ activities, and concessions.

Shoes For School

• Where: Caswell Park, 570 Winona Street, Knoxville
• When: August 7, 2021

This event provides 1,500 pairs of shoes and over 3,000 backpacks to local area children. It is hosted by the Knoxville Area Urban League.

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.

Back (Pack) to School Bash

• Where: 1520 Willoughby Rd., Knoxville
• When: July 25, 2021

The Back (Pack) to School Bash boats delicious food, bounce houses, fun, and backpacks full of school supplies. This event is hosted by Forward Knoxville.

Title 1 School Program

In addition to providing classroom school supplies for Title 1 schools in Knox County, this program helps students in need throughout the year, with coats, food, and more! Donate at the link above.

Anderson County

Aid for Distressed Families in Appalachian Counties

This charitable back-to-school program serves around 3,500 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 Maryville

• When: July 17, 2021
• Where: 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, food, music, and games all for free!

Helping Hands Greenback

• When: July 24, 2021
• Where: 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 music, food, haircuts, and games all for free! This event is sponsored by Rio Revolution Church.

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, Hosted by Appalachian Outreach

• Where: 511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City
• When: August 7, 2021

School-age children will receive a backpack full of school supplies, while they last. There will also be kids’ activities, music, food, and more! This event serves Cocke, Grainger, and Jefferson Counties.

All attendees must show proof of residency.

Grainger County

Back to School Bash, Hosted by Appalachian Outreach

• Where: 511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City
• When: August 7, 2021

This event is hosted by Appalachian Outreach. See the full description of this event under Cocke County above.

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

Appalachian Outreach Back to School Bash

• Where: 511 Municipal Drive, Jefferson City
• When: August 7, 2021

Enjoy food, kids’ games, and free backpacks filled with school supplies, while they last. Families must be able to prive residency at the event.

Loudon County

Good Samaritan Center School Supply Distribution

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

In need 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 provided the items directly but will connect you with the local charities that will best meet your needs.

Monroe County

High Fives and School Supplies

• Location: Madisonville Primary School
• Date: TBA, 2021

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

• Location: 626 Ruritan Rd., Harriman, TN
• Date: TBA 2021

Students must be present to receive the 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

• Location: First Baptist Church of Maynardville
• Date: July 26, 2021

School-age children will receive a new backpack stocked with free school supplies.

If you want us to add your backpack giveaway, free school supplies giveaway, or back-to-school event, please leave the information in the comments below.

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