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!
When and Where:
July 19th, 2025 at 12 pm at Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Road, Columbia
July 26th, 2025 at 11 am at Killian Park, 1424 Marthan Road, Blythewood
August 1st, 2025 at 6 pm at Friarsgate Park, 1712 Chadford Road, Irmo
August 2nd, 2025 at 11 am at Blythewood Park, 126 Boney Road, Blythewood
August 4th, 2025 at 6 pm at North Springs Park, 1320 Clemson Road, Columbia
August 8th, 2025 at 6 pm at Hopkins Park, 150 Hopkins Park Road, Hopkins
August 9th, 2025 at 11 am at Trenhom Park, 3900 Covenant Road, Columbia
Richland County Recreation Commission
Back to School Bash – CMMS FOUNDATION
When: July 19th, 2025 from 9 am to 2 pm
Where: Greenview Community Center, 6700 David Street, Columbia
Details: This event will have school supplies, barbers, hair stylist, nail techs, food vendors, and so much more!
Back to School Bash – CMMS FOUNDATION
Back to School Bash – Build Up SC
When: July 26th, 2025 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: 450 Meeting Street, West Columbia
Details: This event is open to all kids. They are offering free physicals, backpacks, school supplies, fun activities, and refreshments.
Back to School Bash – Build Up SC
Back to School Bash + FREE Sports Physicals
When: July 25th, 2025 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Right Directional Church International, 3506 Broad River Road, Columbia
Details: Right Direction Church International Presenting the event, giveaways, school supplies, school clothes, books, haircuts, free food, sports physicals and more.
Back to School Bash + FREE Sports Physicals
TCC Verizon – School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
When: July 27th, 2025 – 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 the 13th anniversary of the School Rocks Giveaway, and students can receive one backpack stocked with school supplies. This event giveaway is a first come, first serve 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
Back to School Bash: Wise Tax & Company
When: July 26th, 2025 from 2 pm to 6 pm
Where: River Center Plaza – 1722 Broad River Road, Suite G, Columbia
Details: Free food, school supplies, and backpacks! Shoe giveaway, and so much more!
Back to School Bash: Wise Tax & Company
Back to School Bash: S & S Braiding and Weaving Studio
When: August 9th, 2025 from 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: 7206 Parklane Road, Columbia, Suite E
Details: School supplies, Food, Bounce Houses, Games, and more!
Back to School Bash S & S Braiding and Weaving Studio
Back to School Bash – Lexington 2 School District
When: July 31st, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Saluda River Academy for the Arts – 1520 Duke Street, West Columbia
Details: This event will be held in the cafeteria
Back to School Bash
Back to School Bash
When: July 26th, 2025 from 9:00 am to 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 will be providing information about different sources of support as well as free school supplies.
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
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