Where to Find School Supplies in the Community – Summer 2025
Schoolhouse Supplies relies on classroom teachers, schools, and school districts to distribute school supplies. We do not provide school supplies directly to families or case managers at social service agencies. If you need school supplies, here is information about how supplies are distributed by Schoolhouse Supplies and other community programs. (Note, these are only the programs we know about, please let us know about other resources we can share.)
Schoolhouse Supplies Tools for Schools program
Supply Kits distributed through the Tools for Schools program will differ based on grade level, but in general, will include colored pencils, erasers, folders, glue sticks, a ruler, pencils, spirals, and more. Kits for Pre-K and Kindergarten will contain supplies more appropriate for those grade levels.
Portland Public Schools: All students at the following schools will receive a school supply kit: Boise-Eliot Elementary, Cesar Chavez Elementary, Clark Elementary, Kelly Elementary, Lent Elementary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr School, Rigler Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, Scott Elementary, Sitton Elementary, Vestal Elementary, Whitman Elementary, Woodlawn Elementary, and Woodmere Elementary. School offices will have supplies and backpacks for students who enroll later. School offices at George and Harrison Park Middle Schools will have supplies and backpacks.
Centennial School District: All students at Patrick Lynch Elementary and Powell Butte Elementary will receive a school supply kit and backpack. The school office will have supplies for students who enroll later.
David Douglas School District: All students at Early Boyles Elementary School will receive a school supply kit and backpack. The school office will have supplies and backpacks for students who enroll later.
Parkrose School District: All students at Prescott Elementary and Shaver Elementary will receive a school supply kit and backpack. The school office will have supplies and backpacks for students who enroll later.
Reynolds School District: All students at the following schools will receive a school supply kit and backpack: Alder Elementary, Davis Elementary, Glenfair Elementary, Hartley Elementary, and Wilkes Elementary. School offices will have supplies and backpacks for students who enroll later.
Hillsboro School District: All students W.L. Henry, Lincoln Street Elementary and W. Verne McKinney Elementary schools will receive a school supply kit. School offices will have supplies and backpacks for students who enroll later.
KGW School Supply Drive with Schoolhouse Supplies
School supplies stay in the community where the supplies were donated. Centennial, David Douglas, Gresham-Barlow, Parkrose, Portland Public, and Reynolds School Districts’ supplies are distributed through the Schoolhouse Supplies Free Store for Teachers. Teachers and school administrators visit the Free Store for supplies and distribute those supplies to students. Click here for more information about the Free Store including a list of eligible schools. All others are distributed through the respective school district. Click here for a list of school districts that received supplies last year. If your school or school district is on one of these lists, please contact them directly to ask about receiving the supplies.
Other Community Resources
Wake Up Beaverton
Wake Up Beaverton! is a 501c3 nonprofit committed to serving disadvantaged and marginalized people in Beaverton, Oregon. Learn more here.
I Heart Rockwood
I Heart Rockwood (formerly Rock The Block) is a community event celebrating our vibrant and diverse neighborhood. The festival offers complimentary services provided by dedicated community partners, government agencies and local businesses. Live entertainment, two community meals, an interactive kids zone, a BIPOC marketplace, hair cuts, school supplies, and more!
Grauer Back-to-School Project
The Grauer Back-to-School Project happens every second Saturday of August (since 2002!). This year, it is happening on Saturday August 9, 2025. Register here.
During the event, volunteers and community organizations provide information and resources to attending families. Personal shoppers guide families through the venue to pick out what they need, including a backpack with supplies. Translation services provided by volunteers from Neighborhood House and the Muslim Educational Trust. For more information email thegrauerproject@gmail.com.
Cellular Plus
Verizon-Cellular Plus is proud to be giving away FREE BACKPACKS filled with school supplies on Saturday, August 2, from 10am to noon at participating locations.
With Love Oregon
This summer, With Love is collecting essential school supplies for local children in care. In August, they will host a joyful Back-to-School Shopping Event where resource families can enjoy an end-of-summer festivity and “shop” for these items at no cost—ensuring every child heads into the school year ready to learn.
Community Services Network
The Salvation Army Back to School Fair will be on Saturday, August 2nd from 11am-3pm (5325 N Williams Pl Portland 97217). This event will have school supply giveaways, food, fun family activities and more! For more information, please contact info@csnpdx.org
Boys and Girls Club
Contact your local Boys and Girls Club for more information.
Project Lemonade
The Project Lemonade store is open year-round to serve the needs of foster youth. The store provides a welcoming environment staffed with trained volunteers, where youth can select from a range of new and nearly new clothes, shoes, backpacks, and accessories.
Soul2Soul
Soul2Soul is designed to engage, invigorate, and empower the African Diaspora and African Americans in Oregon. The public is invited to Soul2Soul: Building Bridges, a free event celebrating black resilience and uniqueness. Visit https://www.soul2soulpdx.com/ to learn more.
The Kidz Outside Festival
The Kidz Outside, a growing effort to re-envison George Park in the St. Johns neighborhood. Is gearing up to launch their 4th annual The Kidz Outside Festival (TKO Fest) on Saturday August 23rd at 6:30pm. TKO is more than an event, it is a movement to implement a community-led vision for one of our city’s most under-resourced parks that is prime for transformation as it sits in between not one, not two, but four schools within walking distance. School supplies and backpacks will be given away. Check out their Facebook page to learn more.
Operation Back to School
Since 2018, Operation Back to School has provided over 650 fully loaded backpacks to children in Washington and Multnomah county. Operation Back to School engages and supports communities by providing the tools young scholars need in order to support their success both in and outside of the classroom. Contact Operationbacktoschoolocmh@gmail.com for more information.
Portland Backpack
Portland Backpack’s mission is to serve children who are at risk of hunger by providing food sacks for weekend days when food scarcity is higher.
YMCA Columbia-Willamette
Head down to the Southeast Family YMCA for a Backpack and School Supply Giveaway with free backpacks, supplies, and a limited number of new coats! Enjoy snacks and drinks provided by Liza's Kitchen.
Rose Haven
Every summer, Rose Haven holds a Back to School Drive to supply hundreds of kids with necessary supplies that restore dignity and accessibility.