Back-to-school shopping can put a major strain on your family’s finances. The National Retail Federation reports that the average family expects to spend about $890 on back-to-school shopping for the 2024-2025 school year. Between the costs of clothes, backpacks and school supplies, it’s easy to see how it all adds up.

But sometimes there’s not enough room in the family budget to buy even the basics for students. Check out these options for help:

📒 Regional Salvation Army locations team up with local partners every year to provide free back-to-school supplies to communities across the country, including free backpacks stuffed with school supplies.   
SalvationArmyUSA.org

✏️ Find a back-to-school drive with United Way
https://www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way#

🎒 The Boys and Girls Clubs work with a number of national retailers to collect and distribute school supplies to families in need. Check with your local chapter.
https://www.bgca.org/get-involved/find-a-club

🚌 The Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) provides free supplies to students at high-need schools through dozens of free teacher resource centers nationwide and free backpack programs throughout the year.  
https://www.kinf.org/

Source: Care
📸: 2MODA