Do you need a hand getting your kids school supplies this year? Did you score extra glue sticks or pencils that you’d like to donate? Here’s a round up of places you can donate or receive school supplies around the South Puget Sound, roughly organized from north to south (at least it seems north to south on the map in my head).
I have tried hard to confirm details, but please do use the links to confirm them before you show up. Keep in mind that the vast majority of these events are run by volunteers, so if you’re attending one, go with a spirit of adventur,e and be sure you’ve read up on the time and any eligibility requirements. If you’re in a position to help or volunteer, most events will also welcome you!
South King County/Federal Way Red Canoe locations in Federal Way, Covington and Puyallup Red Canoe Credit Union hosts an annual, “Fill the Canoe,” drive and donates supplies through Communities in Schools and other charity partners. Donation event only. Link has lists of drop off locations.
Covington/Maple Valley Maple Valley Food Bank is collecting donations.
Federal Way Christian Faith Center Federal Way Currently collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies for a giveaway event on the 18th in Federal Way.
Enumclaw I don’t see current information, but Youth and Family Services has collected supplies in the past.
Auburn/Seattle Area TreeHouse works with foster kids in the Seattle area and has information on how you can host a school supply drive.
Edgewood/Milton/ Puyallup Mountain View Community Center Edgewood Free back to school barbecue and school supply giveaway August 25th. Donations are being accepted now.
Bonney Lake Lions 4 Kids Bonney Lake hosts an annual Back To School Event. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch in any of the 5 school districts served by the organization are welcome to attend pick up school supplies, including backpacks. Hair cuts are also available, and food will be served. 3-5:30
Parking on site is limited – it is best to park at Grocery Outlet and walk over. Adult volunteers are needed – must be able to pass Washington State Background Check. Donations of school supplies and backpacks are also being accepted now. Call the House and leave a message with questions. 253-447-3844
Puyallup St.Francis House accepts donations of new and gently used household and clothing items year round, and would love your donations of school supplies and backpacks. Link has info. on how you can host a drive or donate directly via Amazon. Contact them if you are in need. There is a screening process for new clients.
Puyallup Red Canoe locations in Federal Way and Puyallup Red Canoe Credit Union hosts an annual, “Fill the Canoe,” drive and donates supplies through Communities in Schools and other charity partners. Donation event only.
FourSquare church already held their great event.
Tacoma Back to School Jam event at three locations August 25th
Lacey/Olympia/Thurston County
Little Red Schoolhouse Distribution Day is August 16th.
FREE Distribution of supplies and clothing will take place Thursday, August 16th, 2018 from 8am to 6pm at Komachin Middle School, 3650 College St. SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Open to all Thurston County families in need. Link also has info. on how you can donate.
City Gates Ministries already held an event on August 9th.
All Over Food Banks-Nearly all food banks accept school supply donations and provide supplies to clients. If you are not a current client contact them about eligibility before you go.
Other Ideas If you don’t see an event near you, contact your school district. I promise they will be able to tell you whom to talk to whether you are looking to donate supplies or are in need of a hand getting some.
Many schools are also glad to accept donations directly. Please do ask what items they can use. Backpacks, calculators, good pencils, and glue sticks are always welcome! The fifty tons of slightly musty old graph paper you found in the closet last week? Not so much.
If you know of a donation drive or event I missed, PLEASE don’t be shy about sharing it. You can just leave a comment on this post, or send me an email at soundsfunmom@gmail.com. You can also post in the fb thread we have here.
If you found this post looking for this information, I hope Sounds Fun Mom will become a regular stop for you. We are dedicated to providing information on area events and activities just for South Sound families!
PS If you’re a teacher or homeschool parent, don’t forget to read about how you can get up to 50 FREE books from Goodwill!
Wowza! It’s a hot one! Here is a round up of good places to keep cool with the kids around the South Sound.
As always we remind you to be cautious in the heat, And around water with your children. Safety first!
Whether you’re too hot in Tacoma, sizzling in Sumner, or Overheating in Olympia-well, you get the idea…..I’m here to help!
Here is our complete list of area spraygrounds, fountains, and splash pads!
Here is my list of readers’ favorite ice cream and cool treat spots.
Check out a beach with sand! Bring your toys!
You can also check out one of these great kid friendly beaches!
OR Here Is A List Of Ten Great South Sound Parks With Shade
Cool off by a nearby lake!-As always, make sure to be vigilant about watching your children around water. Only some of these spots have lifeguards. I’m also not sure about Lake Meridian in Kent as there was a fire earlier in the season that damaged the guard station.
Or, how about an indoor play area? Our sponsors at WiggleWorks in Puyallup welcome you to play in their fully air conditioned facilities-Ask about the Unlimited Play Pass for the summer. It’s an amazing deal!
Most museums have AC. Libraries (when open) have AC….and, finally….here is my list of South Sound malls with play areas. Because, let’s face it, you might have some little ones who don’t do heat!
Fully updated for 2018 Are you ready? Here’s our South Sound Summer Guide! It’s all our most popular summer posts in one handy place! We’ll have it here on our home page for a bit, and then it will go up in our menu bar, where you’ll be able to drop down to select individual […]
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Tacoma and South Puget Sound Area Museums Participating in Smithsonian Free Museum Day Wondering when Smithsonian Free Museum Day will be? Good news for you and your junior culture vulture. This annual event is coming right up Saturday the 22nd, and there are many Tacoma and South Sound area museums participating, which means you can […]
[Continue reading...]Did the rain keep you from having fun yesterday? No fear! We’ve got a round up of fun things you can do around Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, and your neck of the South Sound today! Sunday South King County Beach naturalists from the Seattle Aquarium will be on hand at South King County area beaches for […]
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Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend? You’ve come to the right place, especially if you like Free things to do in Tacoma! No matter what part of the South Sound you call home, we’ve got something great you can do with the kids!
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Sue’s Tech Kitchen: A Great STEM Event for Kids and the Whole Family Do your kids love all things tech and STEM? What about sweet treats and science experiments? If you said, “Yes!” to even one of the above, you will not want to miss Sue’s Tech Kitchen, a national touring event coming up from […]
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Goodwill’s popular free books for teachers program is back! August 25th teachers can pick out up to 50 FREE books for their classrooms. And, yes, they do recognize homeschoolers; you will just need to bring some kind of proof that you currently homeschool. For more information, check their Facebook post.
[Continue reading...]Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend? You’ve come to the right place! It’s a big weekend for small town fun with festivals in Algona, Sumner, and Orting. I’m also excited for the return of the Kite Festival at Chambers Creek. Tacoma readers may also want to check out the Proctor […]
[Continue reading...]Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got amazing ideas for family fun in Tacoma, Auburn, Renton, Puyallup, Lacey, and every other part of the South Sound. Just need to keep cool? The, “Beat the Heat,” guide is one post down! There are more than 70 family events this weekend […]
[Continue reading...]Things To Do With Kids Around the South Sound This Weekend Wowza! It’s a super sized list of family fun this weekend. If you’re looking for things to do with the kids in Tacoma, Auburn, Puyallup, or anywhere around the South Sound, you have come to the right place! Highlights include the circus in Tacoma, […]
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