Where to get free Tri-City school supplies. Plus how to donate much-needed items
Back-to-school time is almost here and groups around the Tri-Cities are collecting school supplies for students in need.
Other events are planned where students and families can show up to receive backpacks, supplies and other help.
Where to donate
Saturday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Yoke’s Fresh Market, 454 Keene Rd., Richland Organized by Columbia Basin Ghostbusters
- Drop off donations of new school supplies for Richland School District’s Early Learning Center.
- Items needed include backpacks, notebooks, crayons, glue sticks and other classroom basics.
- It’s part of a nationwide Ghostbusters franchise community service initiative. Photo ops planned with costumed Ghostbusters.
Now-Aug. 16 Les Schwab Tire Center locations in Benton and Franklin counties and Yakima area Organized by Les Schwab Tires, Fox 11 and 41
- Donate new backpacks, binders, notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, cap erasers, headphones and reusable water bottles.
- Make monetary donations on the Communities in Schools Benton-Franklin donation page.
- Buy items on the Amazon Wishlist for Communities in Schools Benton-Franklin.
Aug. 13-18 Toyota of Tri-Cities, 6321 W Canal Dr, Kennewick 10th Annual Burst-a-Bus School Supply Drive Organized by 94.9 The Wolf, Toyota of Tri-Cities and Retter & Company Sotheby’s International Realty
Aug. 13, Noon-6 p.m. Aug. 14-15, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 18, 6 a.m.-9 a.m.
- Donate backpacks, binders, notebooks, crayons, dividers, erasers, glue, markets, paper, pencils, pens. View a complete list of items needed.
- Donate during event hours and normal business hours in the Toyota of Tri-Cities showroom.
Now-Aug. 31 LiUna Local 348 Labor Union, 2505 Duportail St., Richland
- Donate notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, rulers, backpacks, binders, folders, calculators, glue sticks and scissors at drop box locations in Richland, Yakima and Wenatchee. Learn more on the LiUna Local 348 Facebook page.
Where to pick up free supplies
Friday, Aug. 1, 4-6:30 p.m.Telaré Law, 1321 Columbia Park Trail, Suite B, Richland Get a free backpack and school supplies. 500 backpacks available. RSVP for Telare Law’s 3rd Annual Backpack Project.
Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m.-noon Verizon-Cellular Plus, 106 Keene Rd., Richland (across from ACE Hardware) Pick up a free backpack filled with school supplies. To receive a free backpack, a child must be present with an adult. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tri-Cities Community Health parking lot, 715 W. Court St., Pasco Pick up a free backpack and school supplies. Visit community vendors with a variety of activities. Provided by Tri-Cities Community Health
Monday, Aug. 18, 4-6 p.m. HAPO Center, 6600 Burden Blvd., Pasco Pick up school supplies and receive free haircuts. Physicals and vaccines are also available. Provided by Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Email us at news@tricityherald.com if you’re planning a supply drive or giveaway this fall.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
