Looking for free school supplies in Springfield, MO? There are several back-to-school events next week, August 10-16, hosted by churches, schools, nonprofits and more. Check out the full list below.
I send a “things to do” email every Sunday night to tons of parents and caregivers in the Springfield, Mo. area. It’s full of free ideas that always match the season we’re in.
Back-to-school events: Aug. 10-16
Wednesday, Aug. 12 — Pick up basic school supplies, share a free meal and let the kids play before the school year begins. Life360 WestGate’s annual Back to School Bash includes food, inflatables, kids’ activities, Kona Ice and basic school supplies. 6–7:30 p.m. (Life360 WestGate, 836 S. Suburban Ave., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Saturday, Aug. 15 — For Ozark students, start the year with the basics, from a backpack and school supplies to a hygiene kit. Ozark School District’s Back to School Bash is for PK–12 Ozark students who need extra support. Registration and an assigned arrival time are required. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Ozark Innovation Center, 1600 W. Jackson St., Ozark). Free. Event details and registration.
Saturday, Aug. 15 — Pick up a backpack and groceries while kids play at a back-to-school party. Eagle Heights Worship Center’s Back to School Party includes food, backpacks, groceries, games and inflatables. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (Eagle Heights Worship Center, 3285 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield). Free. Event details.
Saturday, Aug. 15 — Stock up on free back-to-school essentials while kids enjoy an afternoon of fun. Freeway Ministries’ Back to School Bash includes free haircuts, clothes and food, plus snow cones, face painting, games and prizes. 3 p.m. (Freeway Ministries, 1041 W. Kearney St., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Saturday, Aug. 15 — Pick up free school supplies and decorate a notebook before the new school year begins. The GLO Center’s Rainbow Families & GLO Youth Back-to-School Event is designed for LGBTQ+ youth, families and supportive caregivers. Children 17 and younger can choose supplies, and the Springfield Regional Arts Council will lead notebook decorating. 10 a.m.–noon (The GLO Center, 518 E. Commercial St., Springfield). Free; RSVP to info@glocenter.org with the number of children and adults attending. Event details.
Sunday, Aug. 16 — Send kids into the school year with free supplies, haircuts and a little community celebration. Mama G’s Kitchen and Breed Ballers Community Connections’ second annual Back 2 School Bash includes free school supplies, food and haircuts, along with games, music, prizes and a DJ. 2–6 p.m. (Dolling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage St., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Sunday, Aug. 16 — Wrap up the weekend with free food, outdoor games and school-supply giveaways at a family-friendly park gathering. HopeSprings Church’s Praise in the Park Back-to-School Celebration includes live music, kids service and worship, drinks, prizes, school supplies giveaways, and activities for all ages. Bring a chair and a friend. 11 a.m. (Jr. Martin Park, Republic). Free. Event details.
Other resource
OACAC (Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation) hosts the school-supply assistance program. It is appointment-based rather than a scheduled event; eligible southwest Missouri families with K–12 students can call 417-350-5544 to request assistance while supplies last. OACAC details.
Leave a Reply