Inside: A comprehensive list of where you can get free school supplies in Charlotte, NC for your kids!
Do your kids need new school supplies?
With the new school year starting in just a few weeks, the answer is probably “yes.” Affording school supplies can be quite a challenge, especially as families combat the rising costs of just about everything.
The good news is that there are quite a few back-to-school drives run by community organizations, churches, and businesses. They are stepping in to help out with everything from pens and pencils to paper, backpacks, lunch boxes, and even clothing. Here’s where you can get free school supplies in Charlotte, NC.
This list is growing fast! Are you running a school supply event you want to share with Charlotte? Send an email.
Free School Supplies in Charlotte: Quick Facts
- Where: Charlotte, NC and the surrounding Mecklenburg County area
- When: Back-to-school season — July and August 2026
- Who it’s for: Families and K–12 students who need school supplies
- Cost: Free
- What you’ll find: Free backpacks and school supplies; many events also add food, games, haircuts, or health screenings
- Confirmed 2026 dates so far: Metro Church Back to School Bash (Aug. 1), Union County Back 2 School Bash (Aug. 2), C.W. Williams 12th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair (Aug. 8), Just Do It Movement Back 2 School (Aug. 23)
- Have an event to add? Email us.
Free School Supplies at Back-to-School Bash and Supply Drive Events
We’re updating this list for 2026 as local organizations confirm their dates. Here are the events with confirmed 2026 details so far, plus annual giveaways to watch for as the school year approaches.
Metro Church Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
McCrorey YMCA, 3801 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC
Hosted by Metro Church
- Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)
- Free food, games, and family fun
- Community resources and giveaways
Union County Back 2 School Bash
Sunday, August 2, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Carolina Courts, 240 Chestnut Parkway, Indian Trail, NC
Hosted by Union County Back 2 School Bash
- Free backpacks and school supplies for eligible Union County students
- Free new shoes and socks
- Free medical screenings
- Free haircuts
- Free eye screenings
- Community resources, family activities, and more
- Student must be present and registration is required
Learn more and register at the Back 2 School website.
C.W. Williams 12th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
C.W. Williams Community Health Center, 3333 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
Hosted by C.W. Williams Community Health Center
- Free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)
- $25 school and sports physicals
- Free immunizations, vision screenings, and health services
- Free food, music, games, and community resources
Registration is encouraged.
C.W. Williams 12th Annual Back to School Community Health Fair
Just Do It Movement Back 2 School Event
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 12 – 4 p.m.
Paul Mitchell the School Charlotte, 1516 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Hosted by Just Do It Movement, Inc.
- Free hairstyles and haircuts
- Free food and family activities
- Free school supplies and sneakers
Mecklenburg County Back 2 School Bash
Not being held in 2026
Any student in Mecklenburg County Schools can register to receive a free backpack, school supplies, a pair of socks, and a new pair of unbranded athletic shoes. The student must be present to receive the supplies. Registration and event details will be posted on the organizer’s site.
Mecklenburg County Back 2 School Bash
More Back-to-School Giveaways to Watch For in 2026
These Charlotte-area organizations host free back-to-school giveaways every summer. Their 2026 dates hadn’t been announced yet at publish time, so check each organizer’s page for updates:
- Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy — an annual Back to School Bash with free backpacks, school supplies, food, and community resources at its office on Albemarle Road.
- C.W. Williams Community Health Center — an annual Back to School Community Health Fair with free bookbags and school supplies, plus health screenings, at 3333 Wilkinson Blvd.
- Keith Clinic — an annual back-to-school backpack giveaway at its Charlotte-area locations.
More Events with Free School Supplies
- See more school supply events in Greenville, SC
- See more school supply events in Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
When are back-to-school events in Charlotte in 2026?
Confirmed 2026 dates include the Mecklenburg County Back 2 School Bash on August 9 and the Just Do It Movement Back 2 School event on August 23. More giveaways are added throughout July and August as local organizations announce their dates.
Where can I get free school supplies in Charlotte?
Community organizations, nonprofits, churches, and health centers across Charlotte and Mecklenburg County host free backpack and school-supply giveaways each summer. See the events listed above, and check the Kidding Around Charlotte calendar for the latest.
Do I need to register for these events?
Some do. The Mecklenburg County Back 2 School Bash requires student registration, and many giveaways distribute supplies while they last, so it’s best to check each organizer’s page and register early when possible.
Want to Help?
Check out Classroom Central for ways you can help put school supplies in the hands of kids and teachers. Their biggest volunteer event, Backpacks & Basics, returns Wednesday, August 5, 2026.