Where can I get free back-to-school supplies in the Milwaukee area?

Families nationwide are expecting to spend hundreds of dollars as their children prepare for the first day of school, according to the National Retail Federation.

Some local organizations are stepping up and offering free back-to-school resources in Wisconsin to help mitigate the financial stress on families. Here’s where you can find those resources in and around Milwaukee:

Where can I find free school supplies in Milwaukee?

Here’s a list of organizations providing free school supplies in the Milwaukee area.

If we missed an event you’d like to include, please let us know by emailing agroth@gannett.com

South Division High School Back-to-School Community Fair

South Division is hosting it’s 3rd annual Back-to-School Community Fair. Come for resources, free backpacks and school supplies. Tickets are not needed for this event.

When: Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: South Division High School, at 1515 W. Lapham Blvd.

Hmong American Friendship Association’s 17th Annual Back-to-School & Health Resource Fair

The Hmong American Friendship Association is hosting its 17th annual Back-to-School and Health Resource Fair. The event offers free school supplies, community resources, free food, games, activities and live performances. Registration for free school supplies will done in-person at the event.

When: Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 3824 West Vliet St.

Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center’s Back-to-School:

Gerald L Ignance Indian Health Center will be handing out backpacks and school supplies, and there will be a cook-out meal, frozen treats, and activities. This event is for Native households only. You must provide Tribal ID or proof of descendance.

When: Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Where: Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, at 930 W. Historic Mitchell St.

Blessed Savior Catholic School Back-to-School Kick-off

Blessed Savior Catholic School is hosting its Back-to-School Kick-Off. The event includes school supplies and bookbag giveaway, free food, music, community resources, bounce houses and face painting, free haircuts and hair braiding.

When: Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Blessed Savior East Campus, at 5140 N. 55th St.

Wellpoint Care Network Back-to-School Bash

Wellpoint Care Network is hosting its second annual Back-to-School bash. Children will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies. There will also be free haircuts, bounce houses, a video game party bus, raffle prizes and free food.

When: Aug. 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: 8901 W. Capitol Drive

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

United Way provides school supplies for the students in need who attend Milwaukee Public Schools, Waukesha County schools, Germantown School District and Ozaukee County schools.

Milwaukee Public School students attending one of the Milwaukee Community Partnership Schools can contact their guidance counselor for resources.

Waukesha County students attending Hadfield, Hawthorne and Heyer Elementary schools and Waukesha South freshman, can contact their guidance counselor for resources.

Families in Germantown School District can contact School Social Worker Stephanie Kaebish at 262-502-7121 or at skaebish@gsdwi.org.

Families in Ozaukee County can contact Melissa Parchim at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County at melissaap@bbbsoz.org.

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