Where to get or donate free school supplies around Tacoma, South King County, Puyallup, and Lacey and Olympia

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!