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According to the National Retail Federation, families across the country expect to spend hundreds of dollars as their children prepare for the first day of school.
Some local organizations in Wisconsin are offering free back-to-school resources to help ease the financial burden on families. Here are some of these resources in and around Milwaukee:
Where can I find free school supplies in Milwaukee?
Here is a list of organizations that provide free school supplies in the Milwaukee area.
If we missed an event that you would like to see included, please let us know by emailing [email protected].
South Division High School Back to School Fair
The South Division is hosting their 3rd Annual Back to School Community Fair. Come by and pick up resources, free backpacks, and school supplies. No tickets are required for this event.
When: 10 August from 11am to 2pm
Where: South Division High School, 1515 W. Lapham Blvd.
Hmong American Friendship Association’s 17th Annual Back to School and Health Resource Fair
The Hmong American Friendship Association is hosting its 17th annual Back-to-School and Health Resource Fair. The event will feature free school supplies, community resources, free food, games, activities and live performances. Registration for free school supplies will be in person at the event.
When: 17 August from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 3824 West Vliet St.
Back to school at the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center:
The Gerald L Ignance Indian Health Center will be distributing backpacks and school supplies and there will be a barbecue dinner, frozen treats and activities. This event is for Native American households only. You must present a tribal ID or proof of ancestry.
When: 22 August from 13:00 to 18:30
Where: Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, 930 W. Historic Mitchell St.
Blessed Savior Catholic School opens its doors
Blessed Savior Catholic School is hosting its Back to School Kick-Off. The event includes the distribution of school supplies and school bags, free food, music, community resources, bounce houses and face painting, free haircuts and hair braids.
When: 24 August from 11am to 2pm
Where: Blessed Savior East Campus, 5140 N. 55th St.
Wellpoint Care Network Back to School Party
Wellpoint Care Network is hosting its second annual back-to-school party. Children will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies. There will also be free haircuts, bouncy houses, a video game party bus, raffle prizes and free food.
When: 10 August from 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: 8901 W. Capitol Drive
United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County
United Way provides school supplies to needy students in Milwaukee Public Schools, Waukesha County Schools, Germantown School District, and Ozaukee County Schools.
Milwaukee Public School students attending one of the Milwaukee Community Partnership Schools should contact their guidance counselor for more information.
Waukesha County students attending Hadfield, Hawthorne and Heyer elementary schools, as well as freshmen at Waukesha South, should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Families in the Germantown School District can contact school social worker Stephanie Kaebish at 262-502-7121 or [email protected].
Families in Ozaukee County can contact Melissa Parchim at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ozaukee County at [email protected].
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