Across the country, a variety of different charities offer programs that provide school supplies for children of military families.
Operation Homefront's Back-to-School Brigade
In the "better-late-than-never" category, I've just learned about this year's Operation Homefront Back-to-School Brigade. In conjunction with the Dollar Tree Stores, Operation Homefront provides school supplies to students in families whose service member is an E1-E6.
There aren't many locations left, but check out the list and see if there is a location near you. You must pre-register and openings are limited for each location. If there isn't a location near you, it may be full, or the date may have already passed. If you are interested in learning about upcoming Operation Homefront events, register with the organization so that you will get notifications.
Florida's Care for Our Troops
Military families of all status (active, reserve, or retired) and pay grades can benefit from the Back-to-School Bash being hosted by Care 4 R Troops. Held on 8 August 2015 in Debary, Florida, the Back-to-School Bash will also have arts and crafts and giveaways.
Local Area Programs
Check with your nearest installation's family readiness center (Marine Corps Community Services, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Army Community Service, or Fleet and Family Readiness Center) to see what sort of charitable school supply programs might be available in your area.
Other Ways To Save
If you can't find a giveaway program near to you, or you don't "need" to use those resources, there are still plenty of ways to save on your school supplies. Check the weekly deals at local big box and office supply stores for their promotional offers - just this week I have purchased notebooks for 25 cents, folders for 10 cents, and packages of pencils for a penny! Offers change weekly and you can usually find nearly all the required supplies at super-cheap prices over the course of July and August.
Also, look at the ways to save in Heather Sweeney's list of discounts and deals for school shopping at the Military.com discount center.
