As the back-to-school season approaches, many families are looking for ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing what their children need for success. The average family can spend well over $100 per child on essential classroom supplies, making free school supplies an important resource for households of every income level. Fortunately, communities across the United States offer a wide range of programs that provide backpacks, notebooks, pencils, calculators, and other essentials before the first day of school. Knowing where to look early can make all the difference, since many giveaways require registration or distribute supplies on a first-come, first-served basis.
