Local organizations provide free school supplies and backpacks to ease the financial burden on Cleveland families.
Back-to-school events offer additional resources like health screenings, haircuts, and community information.
Eligibility and availability vary, so families should check with event organizers before attending.
Source: imageBROKER/Lena Ivanova / Getty
Back-to-school season is here, and getting kids ready for the classroom can get expensive fast.
Families across Cleveland need everything from backpacks and notebooks to pencils, folders and other classroom essentials. Fortunately, local organizations, churches and community groups are helping ease some of that burden with free school supplies and back-to-school giveaways.
Some of Cleveland’s biggest back-to-school events have already taken place, but families still have options as the 2026-27 school year approaches.
Below, we’ve rounded up places and upcoming events where Cleveland-area families can look for free school supplies before the first bell rings. Availability may vary, and many giveaways only offer supplies while they last.
Note: Dates, times and supplies are subject to change, and some giveaways are available only while supplies last. Eligibility requirements may also apply. Families should check with event organizers before attending.
Free School Supplies In Cleveland
Community Back-to-School Bash — Aug. 13
Families can head to The Gardens of Fairfax Healthcare Center, 9014 Cedar Ave. in Cleveland, from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. Organizers plan to offer free school supplies and physicals, along with music, games, activities and community resources.
Esperanza Back-to-School Celebration — Aug. 15
Esperanza, Inc. will host its 17th annual Back-to-School Celebration from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 15 at Max S. Hayes High School, 2211 W. 65th St.
Students can receive free backpacks and school supplies. The event also includes activities, entertainment and community resources. Esperanza says the event serves students and families throughout Northeast Ohio.
Ward 5 Back-to-School Resource Fair & Festival — Aug. 15
The fifth annual Ward 5 event runs from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at Friendly Inn Settlement Inc., 2386 Unwin Road in Cleveland.
Families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies. Free haircuts and hair braiding, educational information, food, activities and community resources are also planned.
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Back-to-School Resource Fair — Aug. 15
Cleveland Heights-University Heights students can attend the district’s resource fair from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 15 at Cleveland Heights High School, 13263 Cedar Road.
Students can receive backpacks filled with school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. The event also offers athletic shoes, health screenings and breakfast sandwiches.
Important eligibility: This is for Cleveland Heights-University Heights students, not Cleveland students generally. Supplies and shoes are first-come, first-served.
Free School Supplies Around Northeast Ohio
Vermilion Back-to-School Extravaganza — Aug. 15
Students in the Vermilion Local School District can visit Trinity Lutheran, 3747 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 15.
Free school supplies will be available while they last. The event also offers free haircuts.
Specifically open to Vermilion Local School District students.
New Hope Church Community Day — Aug. 15
New Hope Church, 43275 Telegraph Road in Elyria, will host a Community Day from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
The event will include school supplies, food, a free meal, ice cream and other activities.
Stuff the Bus — Aug. 15
Families can visit Firestone Park Community Center, 1480 Girard St. in Akron, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.
The Stuff the Bus event will offer free school supplies and clothing. Financial education sessions are also scheduled.
Wintergreen Ledges Family Fun Day — Aug. 22
Wintergreen Ledges Church of God, 1889 Vernon Odom Blvd. in Akron, will hold a Family Fun Day from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
Families can receive free school supplies and clothing. The event also includes food, games, water balloons and a bounce house.
Girard Family Fun Day & Bookbag Giveaway — Aug. 22
Families can visit Tod Park, 1142 Washington Ave. in Girard, on Saturday, Aug. 22. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., with the event running from 1-4 p.m.
Children can receive backpacks and school supplies. Organizers also plan hot dogs, crafts, face painting and other activities.
