Are you in need of free school supplies or clothing for your students this upcoming school year in and around Columbia, SC?
With the school year quickly approaching, families could be feeling extra financial pressure, and we understand that all the supplies, clothing, bookbags, etc. add up quickly! Fortunately, local churches, community groups, schools, and organizations are planning some free back-to-school supply events. Whether you’re in need of supplies, lunch boxes, backpacks, or even clothing we’ve got a great list of places for you!
How Do I Get Free School Supplies for My Kids?
It is estimated that families will spend, on average, about $750 to get their kids ready to head back to school. While that number is shocking and stressful for so many, our Columbia community has done a fantastic job at putting together back-to-school supply drives and free events for families in need.
These events are fun and often include live music and free cook-out-style lunches in addition to a school supply giveaway. Celebrate back to school! The easiest way to get free school supplies for kids is to look for these community events. Below are several options for your kiddos to get what is on their school list in Columbia, SC.
Free School Supplies Events for Kids Near Columbia, SC
Back To School Bashes – Richland County Recreation Commission
Multiple Events! The Richland County Recreation Commission hosts a series of free Back-to-School Bashes at parks across the county each summer, with school supplies and book bags available while supplies last (children must be present to receive supplies).
When: Summer 2026 – the commission has confirmed the 2026 series is returning.
Details: To find the location nearest you and confirm dates, call (803) 741-7272, ext. 104 or visit the Richland County Recreation Commission Facebook Page.
Back to School Bash
When: July 25th, 2026 from 9-11:30 am
Where: Seven Oaks Park – 200 Leisure Lane, Columbia
Details: This special event is for adults and children with hearing loss and their families. Various vendors provide information about different sources of support as well as free school supplies.
Back to School Bash
TCC Verizon – School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
When: Sunday, July 26th, 2026 – 1 pm
Where: TCC Verizon stores
- TCC Irmo – 1100 Dutch Fork Rd., Ste G, Irmo, SC 29063
- TCC Chapin – 1221 Chapin Rd., Ste G, Chapin, SC 29036
- TCC Lexington – 851 Highway 378, Ste 104, Lexington, SC 29072
Details: It’s TCC’s annual School Rocks Giveaway, and students can receive one backpack stocked with school supplies. This event giveaway is a first come, first served basis, so plan to be there early! Be sure to call ahead of time to confirm that the location you plan to head to is participating in this event.
School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
Community Back to School Bash
When: July 31st, 2026 from 6 – 8:30 pm
Where: Right Direction Church International, 3506 Broad River Road, Columbia
Details: Giveaways, school supplies, school clothes, books, haircuts, and free food.
Community Back to School Bash
Back to School Bash – CMMS FOUNDATION
When: August 1st, 2026 from 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Greenview Community Center, 6700 David Street, Columbia
Details: This event will have school supplies, barbers, hair stylists, nail techs, food vendors, and so much more!
Back to School Bash – CMMS Foundation
Back to School Bash – Build Up SC
When: August 1st, 2026 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: 450 Meeting Street, West Columbia
Details: Build Up SC hosts an afternoon of fun, games, and school supplies for the community.
Back to School Bash – Build Up SC
Back to School Bash – Lexington 2 School District
When: August 3rd, 2026 from 4:30-6 pm
Where: Saluda River Academy for the Arts – 1520 Duke Street, West Columbia
Details: This event was held in the school cafeteria.
Back to School Bash
Gamecock School Supplies
When: Throughout the school year
Where: Student Success Center
Details: This service is ONLY for undergraduates of the University of South Carolina. While this service is a little different than other events listed, we wanted to get the word out to any families that have college students! The Gamecock supply closet is the newest service of the Student Success Center and offers free school supplies such as notebooks, scantrons, dry erase boards, calculators, and much, much more. Students can utilize this service once every two weeks and all undergraduates are eligible with their valid Carolina Card.
Gamecock School Supplies
Back to School Bash: S & S Braiding and Weaving Studio
When: TBA
Where: 7206 Parklane Road, Columbia, Suite E
Details: School supplies, food, bounce houses, games, and more!
Back to School Bash: Wise Tax & Company
When: TBA
Where: River Center Plaza – 1722 Broad River Road, Suite G, Columbia
Details: Free food, school supplies, and backpacks! Shoe giveaway, and so much more!
Columbia Free School Supplies: FAQs
When are the 2026 back-to-school supply events in Columbia, SC?
Confirmed 2026 events include the CMMS Foundation Back to School Bash on July 19 at Greenview Community Center, the TCC School Rocks Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 26, and the Build Up SC Back to School Bash on August 1 in West Columbia. The Richland County Recreation Commission is also bringing back its annual series of free Back-to-School Bashes at county parks ahead of the new school year – check its website for the latest dates and locations.
Do the free school supply events cost anything or require registration?
These community events are free, and supplies are given away while they last. Most ask that the child or student be present to receive supplies, and some organizers recommend arriving early or calling ahead to confirm details.
Where can college students in Columbia get free school supplies?
University of South Carolina undergraduate and graduate students can visit Gamecock School Supplies at the Student Success Center in Thomas Cooper Library for free notebooks, calculators, and more, year-round with a valid Carolina Card.
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