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Free school supplies Seattle and King County

Updated October 21, 2025 • 5 min read • 1,009 words
Focus Immediate Financial Assistance

Free school supplies in Seattle and King County.

There are several free school supply programs in the Seattle Washington area. Some assistance programs are run by charities and others by corporations or the government. Of course some of the back to supplies or informs are provided directly by the schools themselves. Find information below on where to turn to for help, including free backpacks, laptops, book bags and more in the King County area. The list below is only a sampling of some places that focus on giving away school items; there are other options too including free clothing closets in King County . The programs in the Seattle region are the result of donations as well as the work of volunteers. Some of what may be collected (and therefore giving away) includes: Glue sticks, Ballpoint pens, pencils (colored and number 2) and Scissors. Highlighters, white glue, pencil sharpeners, three-ring binders. Scotch tape, A stapler, rulers, printer paper, crayons and watercolor paints. Clothes, shoes, uniforms, bookbags, belts, jackets. Printer paper and ink. Calculators, tablets, laptops, and used desktop computers. Those are just some examples of the school supplies that may be offered in King County Washington. Students, depending on age (kindergarten, elementary school, high school, college, etc.) may be given different items as needed.

Assistance League of Seattle and Operation School Bell

1415 N 45th St Seattle, WA, 98103 Call (206) 547-4680 This non-profit helps kids from Kindergarten to 5th grade. They can be given books, learning materials, clothes for school, and even free hygiene supplies. Applicants in King County need a referral by school nurse or counselor or family support worker. Communities in Schools of Auburn only helps students in the district Address is 502 4th St NE Auburn, WA, 98002 To apply for supplies, dial (253) 288-7659

Maple Valley Food Bank & Emergency Services

Location is 21415 Renton-Maple Valley Rd Maple Valley, Washington 98038 Main Phone: (425) 432-8633 Children from low income families, immigrants, and the working poor in Tahoma and Covington can apply for the free school supply assistance program. Communities in Schools of Renton

1101 Bronson Way N

Renton, WA 98057 Phone number is (425) 430-6658 Students in the district can get supplies, on or after the first day of the month.

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services

Location is 2040 84th Ave SE Mercer Island, WA, 98040 For applications, dial (206) 275-7657 or (206) 275-7611 Residents of the Island, as well as students in the Mercer Island School District only can get help. Hopelink There are multiple locations in the King County area. Free school supplies, meals, food, shoes, and more is offered. The non-profit only covers Riverview, Skykomish, Lake Washington, Snoqualmie Valley, as well as the Sultan School Districts. Call 425.869.6000.

Bellevue School District

Registration and applications are required before the previous year ends. To apply, send a notice to .

Black Diamond Community Center

Main location is 31605 3rd Ave Black Diamond, Washington 98010 Main number is (360) 886-1011

The Salvation Army

They have multiple locations in both the city of Seattle as well as across King County. They cover regions including in Federal Way and Des Moines, Auburn, Kent, Algona, Pacific, North Seattle, and more. Some Salvation Army centers only help applicants living close to or near poverty. There may be winter jackets, boots, backpacks, financial aid, supplies like rulers, and much more. More on King County Salvation army assistance programs .

Center for Human Services

14803 15th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98155 206-362-7282 Everything from clothing for work or school, referrals to public aid or free USDA school lunches, laptops, and “basic” school supplies are given out for free. FamilyWorks of Seattle 1501 N. 45th St. Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 694-6727 Free stuff is for students in the Wallingford and Fremont area.

Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank

Main address is 179 1st Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98027 Dial (425) 392-4123 Communities in Schools of Kent Office address is 201 1st Ave S Suite D Kent, Washington 98032 Phone number is (253) 867-5637 Distribution of supplies, pens, pencils, books, and more will occur around when school starts. Referral service The United Way refers residents to assistance programs. Hundreds of agencies offer support (including back to school supply giveaway events) for low income as well as working poor families. Call 211 for details on a service near you. Get free gift cards for back to school shopping, internet access or computers for distance learning, basic school items and more.

Eastridge Church's West Seattle Campus

Address is 4500 39th Avenue Southwest Seattle, Washington 98116 For dates, call 206-932-3010 They hold a back to school bash. Students in attendance can be given a free backpack full of supplies. There may be notebooks, crayons, highlighters, clothes, personal hygiene kits and more. Sometimes haircuts or dental checks are arranged too.

Rainier Beach Action Coalition at Community Center

8825 Rainier Avenue South

Seattle, Washington 98118 For information, dial 206-914-1762 Another assistance programs held once per year that can get students of all grades and genders prepared for the year. Free supplies are offered.

Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club

4520 Martin Luther King Junior Way South

Seattle, Washington 98108 206-486-7171 Children and students can be given free school supplies as well as electronics/toys, books, haircuts and more. There is a one time per year giveaway.