For many families, the start of school is a real struggle. Let’s face it – children cost a lot of money! And this time of year, everyone feels it. Without a doubt, parents are given a list of school supplies to buy for their children for the upcoming semester – sometimes multiple lists. This added expense can be a real burden! If you find yourself in need of cheap or free school supplies, or have supplies you’d like to donate, look no further. In this post, we’ll cover a number of great resources in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park to get free school supplies, as well as places where school supplies can be donated.

Get School Supplies

OtterCares Pack2School Event - Fort Collins

On August 11, from 9am - 6pm, the OtterCares Foundation is hosting their annual Pack2School event at the Aztlan Center in Fort Collins.

More information on the event and qualifiying information can be found here.

Get a backpack through your school - Fort Collins, Loveland

Poudre School District:

There are a couple of things you can do to receive a backpack through PSD. Either call your school directly, and arrange to receive a backpack at your child's Back to School Night, or visit the Partnership Center at 1630 Stover Street near the intersection of Stover and Prospect on August 8th or 9th between 8am-12pm and 1pm - 3:30 pm.

Thompson School District:

Get a backpack through your Thompson School District school here. Contact the school where your child will be attending to receive a backpack.

Clothing - Loveland

Underwear and Socks are available to any child in the community through the House of Neighborly service Back to School Bash.

Cheap places to buy school supplies

Don't forget that if you have some money, you can also find what are usually fairly cheap school supplies through places like Target, Walmart, or your local Dollar Tree.

Donate School Supplies, Money, or Time

School is Cool drive through Colorado State University

Every year, CSU runs the School is Cool drive. Donate money here to help their efforts, or sign up to volunteer. They're always looking for more help!

Donate to Realities for Children

Realities for Children provide new backpacks and school supplies to abused, neglected, and at-risk children in our community. School supply donations can be dropped off at a variety of locations. Unfortunately their drive is closed for this year, but contact them at (970)484-9090 or visit their website.

The OtterCares Foundation's Pack2School Event

Every year, OtterCares hosts the Pack2School event at the Aztlan Center in North Fort Collins. Join them this year and sign up to volunteer!

			Elizabeth Simons Elizabeth Simons is the Digital Marketing Manager at United Way of Larimer County. An alumni of CSU, she has worked in marketing, technical support, and blogging for the last five years. Elizabeth is also an artist working primarily in fiber arts, watercolor painting, and fashion design.