Where to get free school supplies for students and teacher discounts in San Antonio

It’s that time of year when students treasure the last days of summer as the new school year approaches. For some parents, it’s also a time when funds can be strained as children need new school supplies, clothing, and more.

Thankfully, San Antonio organizations and businesses are offering events to provide local students with necessary school items free of charge.

Events are open to all San Antonio students, regardless of age or school district:

Back to School Community Fair

This community event is truly for all, with event organizers encouraging interested individuals to bring a friend. Families can get the school supplies and community health resources they need, as well as the music, games, and free food they want. It’s a win-win, San Antonio, so be sure to register for this free event. Saturday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Compass Rose Ingenuity, 522 Billy Mitchell Boulevard, eventbrite.com

Children receive new backpacks and school supplies during the 13th annual Last Chance Ministries backpack giveaway at Rosedale Park on Saturday, Aug. 17 2019.

Billy Calzada/Staff Photographer

Back 2 School Jam

ReachSA is back again this year with its seventh annual giveaway event, which provides both school supplies and backpacks to students. Lots of local organizations and vendors will be onsite, so bring the whole family. Saturday, August 7, 9 a.m. to noon, Copernicus Park, 5003 Lord Road, reachsatx.org

Back 2 School Expo

Free to attend, this “one-stop for all things back to school” event offers free school supply packs and free backpacks, each one per child while supplies last. Free immunizations will also be administered for school-age children. Saturday, August 7, 8 a.m. to noon, Gustafson Stadium, 7001 Culebra Road, backtoschoolsa.com

Back to School Drive-thru at Barlite

School supplies and up to 500 backpacks will be distributed at this drive-thru event, so come early. Parents can also schedule a child’s physical as well as check their weight and height. Tuesday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Alamo Medical Group, 7355 Barlite Boulevard, eventbrite.com

Back 2 School Bash

Last Chance Ministries and KIPP Texas Public Schools are teaming up again for its annual event for San Antonio families. Free backpacks and other supplies will be given out to students, and there will be live music, food, and games for the whole family to enjoy. An RSVP is encouraged. Saturday, August 7, noon to 5 p.m., Rosedale Park, 303 Dartmouth Street, eventbrite.com

Back To School Giveaway

There will be a wide variety of items up for grabs at this local church’s free giveaway event. In addition to school supplies, there will also be kids coats, gift cards, and door prizes ready to be claimed. Vaccines will also be administered onsite and parents can choose to sit on educational sessions. Saturday, August 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bethel International Christian Fellowship, 3447 Northeast Parkway, eventbrite.com

Victory Worship Center Backpack Drive

In a place to give back? Victory Worship Center will be collecting backpacks and other school supplies over the next few weeks to distribute in the community. With a goal of 400 backpacks, the church is hoping to help lots of students this school year. Saturday, August 14, 2 to 5 p.m., Victory Worship Center, 103 Springvale Drive, eventbrite.com

Grandmother Ida Bustillos reacts with glee as her granddaughter Cristiana Mercado, 7, wins a prize of a smart tablet at the T-Mobile booth as a large attendance of parents with their children fill the Expo Hall at Freeman Coliseum for the annual back-to-school event on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019.

Kin Man Hui, Staff / Staff photographer

The following events have restrictions, so please read carefully:

Back to School Summer Bash by Gabriella’s Smile Foundation

Local children battling cancer can come together for a special day at Morgan’s Wonderland before the new school year begins. Hosted by Gabriella’s Smile Foundation, the summer bash will include food, music, and admission to Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Children in attendance will also receive a backpack. Families can register here. Sunday, August 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Drive, facebook.com

Back To School Drive at Life Church SW Campus

After taking part in games and activities, children can snag a backpack and school supplies, which will be distributed to children part of the church community. Students will also be prayed over during a special service. Saturday August 14, 9 a.m., Life Church SW Campus, 4424 SW Loop 410, facebook.com

There are also some great promotions happening for teachers, too:

H-E-B

San Antonio’s own is showing its appreciation for teachers with a 15-percent discount, valid through Friday, August 27, on school supplies and select household items. Teachers must fill out a form before Monday, August 23, to be eligible. You can fill out the form here.

Target

Sign up for Target’s dedicated customer app, Target Circle, and teachers will also be able to enjoy a 15-percent discount now through Saturday, July 31. You can find more information here.