School starts for Spokane Public Schools students on Aug. 26, 2026. Several local organizations offer free school supplies and other back-to-school resources for families at the end of the summer, so students can begin the year feeling confident and prepared for learning.
General classroom supplies like pencils, glue, crayons, scissors, markers and tissue are provided by Spokane Public Schools. School supply lists can be found on most school homepages under Students; some schools may not publish school-wide lists and will connect parents with lists through teachers or advisors.
If you know of local support events that aren’t included on this list, please Contact Us to let us know.
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. Please contact organizations directly if you have questions.
SNAP Back to School Resource Carnival
Friday, July 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mission Park, 1208 E. Mission Ave.
Hosted by SNAP and Community Health Plan of Washington, families are invited to enjoy a day of fun activities with free food, games, face painting, free cotton candy, free dry haircuts for kids, access to multiple resources and vendors, and free backpacks with school supplies (while supplies last).
Contact: 509-456-SNAP
Ways to Support: Donate, Volunteer
17th Annual Backpacks for Kids Distribution
Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Spokane Salvation Army, 223 E. Nora Ave.
In collaboration with nomnom Convenience Stores, the Salvation Army Spokane will distribute 3,000 new backpacks with school supplies to local students, grades K-12. This event will also include a community vendor fair, free haircuts for kids, food and drinks, and appearances by local mascots.
All backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Parents or guardians will need to bring photo ID and proof of every child in the household.
Contact: 509-325-6810
Ways to Support: Burst-A-Bus on July 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Way to Justice and SERA Project Community Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Underhill Park, 2910 E. Hartson Ave.
Children can select new shoes of their choice, along with backpacks, school supplies, books, and clothing so they can start a new school year with confidence and dignity. Throughout the park, families also enjoy a free barbecue, access to community resource vendors, mobile health clinics, and a wide variety of activities including bouncy houses, games, arts and crafts, and live performances. The event features music, raffles, and engaging entertainment designed to create a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere for all ages.
Contact: 509-822-7514
Ways to Support: Volunteer, Become a Vendor, Donate, Talent Show Sign Up
Back to School Literacy Fair
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2-5 p.m.
Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St.
Families can pick up free food, books, school supplies and other resources at the Northeast Community Center, hosted by the ZONE and EWI of Spokane.
Contact: 509-487-1603
Unity in the Community
Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Riverfront Park
Free K-8 school supplies and kids’ helmets will be available while supplies last (children must be present) at the 32nd annual multicultural celebration. This year’s theme, “Strength in Community, Power in Diversity” is presented in partnership with STCU. 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.
Contact: Unity in the Community
Ways to Support: Supplies Drive, Volunteer, Donate, Sponsorship
CHAS Health Free Sports Physical Clinics
Middle and high school students who plan on participating in athletics can get an updated sports physical at no charge through CHAS Health’s School-Based Health Centers (SBHC). Advanced scheduling online is recommended. Students do not need to be enrolled at the clinic location to receive services. Physicals are available outside of these events, but out-of-pocket costs may be associated with visits, depending on insurance.
Schedule
Tuesday, Aug. 11: North Central SBHC, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Rogers and Shadle Park SBHC, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13: Ferris, Rogers, and Shadle Park SBHC, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 14: Ferris and North Central SBHC, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Sacajawea Middle School CHAS Health Free Sports Physical Clinic, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Call the school at 509-354-5500 to schedule.)
Contact: 509-444-8200
School-Cycle Supply Drive
Spokane County Regional Waste Ambassadors and Art Salvage collect school supply donations to redistribute to organizations and families. To request supplies, complete a Request Form.
Contact: 509-798-9039
Ways to Support: Donate accepted materials that are gently used or unused at Spokane Library locations, Spokane County Library locations, or at Art Salvage through July 31
Communities in Schools of Northeast Washington
Communities In Schools of Northeast Washington (CISNEW) partners with KREM’s Tools2Schools to distribute school supplies and other Basic Need items to 28 regional schools including North Central, Rogers, Garry, Bemiss, Cooper, Lidgerwood, Regal and Stevens, not just at the start of the school year but throughout the year.
They also support the Northeast Community Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center back-to-school supply drives; information about the MLK Center giveaway event will updated when available.
Contact: 509-413-1436
Ways to Support: Donate