Is anyone in your family having big emotions about the start of a new school year? Feeling nervous? Excited? Overwhelmed?
Whatever feelings may be dominating your household, several community groups want to help eliminate some stress by providing free school supplies, shoes, and haircuts to students before the new school year.
Remember that general classroom supplies like pencils, glue, crayons, scissors, markers and tissue are provided by Spokane Public Schools; grade and school-specific supply lists can be found on your school’s homepage; find your school’s website:
If you know of local support events that aren’t included on this list, please let us know via Let’s Talk.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPORT EVENTS
Please note that these events are organized by local businesses and organizations that are not affiliated with or endorsed by Spokane Public Schools. This list is solely intended as an optional resource for Spokane families.
2025 Community Celebration: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2-4 p.m.
Underhill Park, 2910 E Hartson Ave.
The Way to Justice and SERA invite Spokane-area families to attend this special event with a bike raffle, community talent show, free food and drinks, and giveaways of free shoes, backpacks, and school supplies. Children must be present at event to receive supplies.
No-Charge Sports Physicals: Aug. 12 & 13, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
CHAS Health @ John R. Rogers High School, 1622 E. Wellesley Ave.
Middle and high school students who are participating in athletics can get an updated sports physical at no charge at CHAS Health’s School-Based Health Centers. Advanced scheduling is recommended. Students do not need to be enrolled at the SBHC’s location to receive services. Physicals are available outside of these events, but out-of-pocket costs may be associated with visits, depending on insurance. Contact CHAS Health for more information.
Back to School Block Party: Monday, Aug. 12, 3-6 p.m.
Spokane Youth for Christ, 4603 N Market St.
Spokane YFC is hosting a free block party and community resource fair for all K-12 students and families in Northeast Spokane and beyond with food trucks, school supplies, hygiene products, sport physicals, and raffle prizes.
16th Annual Backpacks for Kids: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Salvation Army, 223 E Nora Ave.
All 4,000 backpacks with school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Parents or guardians will need to bring the following items:
Photo ID of parent/guardian
Proof of every child in the household (School registration, DSHS statement, ID card for each student, medical card, etc.)
Event also includes a community vendor fair, free haircuts for kids, food and drinks, and appearances by local mascots.
No-Charge Sports Physicals: Aug. 14 & 15, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
CHAS Health @ Shadle Park High School, 4327 N. Ash St. Room B115
Middle and high school students who are participating in athletics can get an updated sports physical at no charge at CHAS Health’s School-Based Health Centers. Advanced scheduling is recommended. Students do not need to be enrolled at the SBHC’s location to receive services. Physicals are available outside of these events, but out-of-pocket costs may be associated with visits, depending on insurance. Contact CHAS Health for more information.
Unity in the Community: Saturday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Riverfront Park, Downtown Spokane
Free K-8 school supplies and kids’ helmets will be available while supplies last (children must be present) at this annual multicultural celebration. Families can also explore the Youth Fair, Career and Education Fair, Health Fair, Senior Resources and General Vendors, as well as a Cultural Village and a performance stage.
One HEART Spokane Back to School Events: Saturday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Real Life Spokane, 10101 N Nevada St.
One Heart Center, 1827 E Pacific Ave.
West Central Community Center, 1603 N Belt St.
Visit one of three sites around Spokane for free shoes and socks, haircuts, lunch, carnival activities, and more while supplies last. School-age children must be present to receive shoes.
Back2School Backpack Giveaway: Aug. 18, 3-5 p.m.
American Indian Community Center, 1025 W. Indiana Ave.
Contact American Indian Community Center to sign up to receive one of 200 backpacks, while supplies last.
No-Charge Sports Physicals: Aug. 18 & 19, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
CHAS Health @ North Central, 1600 N. Howard St.
Middle and high school students who are participating in athletics can get an updated sports physical at no charge at CHAS Health’s School-Based Health Centers. Advanced scheduling is recommended. Students do not need to be enrolled at the SBHC’s location to receive services. Physicals are available outside of these events, but out-of-pocket costs may be associated with visits, depending on insurance. Contact CHAS Health for more information.
Free Kids Haircuts: Sunday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Man Shop, 4902 E Sprague Ave.
For the second year, The Man Shop is providing free haircuts to help students start the new school year with confidence. No appointments necessary; first come, first served, kids only.
Back to School Street Fair: Monday, Aug. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St.
During the Hillard Farmer's Market, stop by the Kids Zone for Free school supplies, food and community resources. There will also be a free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers.
School Supply Giveaway: Aug. 27 & 28, 3-5 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 500 S. Stone St.
Free backpacks and school supplies will be available for kids of all ages. Register in advance, or call (509) 868-0856 for more information.