As families across the Des Moines metro prepare for the return of the school routine, several organizations are stepping up to lend a helping hand by providing school supplies completely free of charge. Additionally, these generous organizations wholeheartedly welcome donations from individuals who wish to contribute and support education.
Not sure when school starts? Visit Central Iowa School Starting Dates & Plans for the 2023-24 School Year. And, be sure to check out our Back to School Fun Guide for additional tips and resources for a successful start to the new school year.
Please note: If you’re in need of school supplies, you may want to check with your child’s school, as some donations are directly distributed to schools. This is a working list, so check back often for updates and additions. Know of an event that needs to be added to our list? Email and let us know!
Want to lend a hand to students in need this school year? Need help getting your school supplies? These organizations in the Des Moines metro area can help!
Ankeny
Project Fresh Start
This program provides students of Ankeny (grades k-12) with free school supplies and backpacks. This year’s Days of Giving will take place on Saturday, August 5 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, August 6 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Prairie Ridge Middle School.
Donations can be made on-line. Contact the Community Engagement office at (515)289-3960 with any questions. Please consider donating to this worthy cause which offers assistance to Ankeny students.
Des Moines
Back 2 School Bash
School supplies will once again be given away to Des Moines students through the Back 2 School Bash. They are hoping to have enough supplies for approximately 1,000 students. It will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the John R. Grubb YMCA (1611 11th St, Des Moines, IA 50314).
It costs just $15 to sponsor a child’s school supplies. Click here to sponsor a Des Moines child’s school supplies today!
Mary Jackson Elementary School Supply Drive
You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of K-5th grade students by donating the essential tools they need for success in the classroom. From July 17th to August 7th, you can show your support by either purchasing the required supplies through Amazon or by personally dropping them off at Jackson Elementary. The school’s address is 3825 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320, and you can do drop-offs between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. If these hours don’t suit you, feel free to coordinate an alternative time by reaching out to Carissa Bailey via email at carissa.bailey@dmschools.org.
It’s important to note that donations are welcomed not only during the specific supply drive times mentioned but at any time. We appreciate your generosity and ongoing support in empowering these students to thrive in their educational journey.
Orchard Place Annual School Supply Drive
This community-supported drive will provide school supplies and back packs to more than 800 children who are affected by mental health concerns. You can make a gift at www.orchardplace.org/donate and please type School Supply Drive in the designation box.
Are you more of a hands-on volunteer? You could team up with co-workers, neighbors, and/or your family to purchase the specific school supplies needed and then fill a backpack for each student you’re supporting. Volunteer-made school supply kits need to be assembled off-site and then delivered to Orchard Place no later than August 12. Please email Brandie Broadhead, CVA, Orchard Place Director of Volunteers and Special Events to make arrangements to drop off the kits.
Johnston
Johnston Partnership Back To School Supply Drive
The JCSD Back to School Health & Resource Clinic will be held again on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. This event helps ensure students have everything they need to be ready to learn for another school year. Volunteers are needed to help out at the event!
School supply donations are needed to fill over 400 backpacks for JCSD students. Donations can be dropped off during open business hours, or you can use our Amazon Wishlist to shop.
Urbandale
UCAN Back 2 School Supplies
Urbandale Community Action Network (UCAN) will be providing kids in need who live in Urbandale or are registered in the Urbandale School District a package of school supplies. Families must complete an application and provide proof of residency and need. Supplies will be distributed at the UCAN Office at Aldersgate Church (3600 75th Street, Urbandale, IA). Date and time are TBD.
If you would like to donate to support this effort, you can make a monetary donation to UCAN on their website or purchase supplies from their Amazon Wishlist.
Waukee
Waukee Area Christian Services School Supply Drive
The Waukee CSD Back to School Family Resource Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Timberline School from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. School registration assistance and free/reduced meal eligibility assistance will be available.
Waukee Area Christian Services is currently collecting school supplies that will be distributed to Waukee students. They have three ways you can donate: order from their Amazon wish list, donate supplies or make a monetary donation. Donations are accepted June through August and can be dropped off at Waukee Area Christian Services, any of their Partner Churches or the Waukee YMCA.
West Des Moines
West Des Moines Human Services School Supply Distribution
West Des Moines Human Services (139 6th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265) holds a school supply distribution for qualifying, low-income West Des Moines residents in August each year. Income verification and appointments are required to receive supplies. The 2023 distribution date is Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Proof of address and income verification is required. Online registration begins July 10th; deadline to apply is August 5th.
Please consider donating supplies or making a cash contribution which allows WDHS to purchase more items in bulk. Contact free school supply donations are accepted on Mondays and Thursdays between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am to 12:00 pm now through August 11, 2023.
If you know of a Back to School event that needs to be added to this list, please leave a Comment or email it to nicole@dsm4kids.com.
