For Philadelphia students, the most recent academic year was a difficult one, with schools temporarily closing due to asbestos, responding to neighborhood gun violence, and criticism against the district’s lottery system.
While the 2023-2024 school year could be a fresh start, school supply shopping can be yet another burden on students as prices have risen up to 24% in the past two years.
Here’s where you can get school supplies for free and where you can donate them to make life a little bit easier for all the caretakers and kids in the neighborhood.
Where to get free school supplies in the Kensington area
Friday, August 11
Roland Darrel White Foundation
The Roland Darrel White Foundation is partnering with Wanda Community Events Inc. for a school supply giveaway on August 11 at 1 p.m. at Harrowgate Park. Supplies (including 100 backpacks) will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are they accepting school supply donations?Yes, they are accepting donations. If you’d like to make a donation, please contact Wanda Johnson at 267-579-7345 or WandaJohnson626@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 12
Sholypop Daycareis hosting the Sholypop Back-to-School event on August 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on N. 5th Street.
Organizers will provide school supplies, food, haircuts and more.
Are they accepting school supply donations?Yes, they are accepting donations. To arrange a donation drop-off, email owner Lisandra Cheves at sholypopdaycare@yahoo.com or call 267-831-2176.
Tuesday, August 15
State Senator Christine Tartaglione
Pennsylvania’s Senator Tartgalione’s office is hosting a community picnic at Norris Square Park on August 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to free school supplies, there will be raffles and games to entertain neighbors who stop by. A child must be present to receive a backpack.
For more information, call 215-291-4653.
Are they accepting school supply donations?Yes, they are accepting donations. Call the number above to arrange a drop-off.
Friday, August 18
Uno Mas Home Care is hosting a Back-to-School Giveaway on August 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2605 N. Front St.. They will distribute school supplies, including backpacks. Additionally, there will be food, music, bouncy houses, and raffle prizes at the event. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
Are they accepting school supply donations?
For more information, call 267-838-0034.
Wednesday, August 16
The School District of Philadelphia
The School District of Philadelphia’s Back-To-School Bus Tour will be making stops across the city this month to share back-to-school information and supplies with students and their families.
The Kensington stop is scheduled for August 16 at Willard Elementary at 1930 E. Elkhart St. from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
A full list of bus stops and how to register for the event is available here.
Are they accepting school supply donations?For more information, visit philasd.org/ringthebell.
Saturday, August 19
Safehub plans to distribute 800 backpacks filled with school supplies at their Back-to-School Party on Saturday, August 18 at Scanlon Recreation Center located at 1099 E. Venango St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Are they accepting school supply donations?Yes, they are accepting donations. You can purchase school supplies through their Amazon Wishlist or donate money through their website and Venmo.
Immortal Vision Studio is hosting its annual Community Give-Back weekend on August 19 at Hissey Playground at 400 E. Indiana Ave. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will include a back-to-school drive, food giveaways, a basketball tournament, and more.
Are they accepting school supply donations?
Yes, they are accepting donations. You can purchase supplies on the organization’s Amazon Wishlist or make a monetary donation here. They are also looking for volunteers, who can sign up to volunteer here.
August 2022
The St. Francis Inn is distributing school supplies to Kensington students from now until supplies run out. Families in need can call the Inn at 215-423-5845 between Tuesday through Thursday to schedule an appointment.
Are they accepting school supply donations?Yes, they are accepting donations. To make a donation, you can visit the Inn’s Amazon Wish List to make a purchase. You can also purchase supplies and donate them in person at 2441 Kensington Ave. Call to schedule a drop-off.
Who and what are we missing? Did we miss an event or organization that should be on this list? Email us ASAP at editors@kensingtonvoice.com and we’ll add it to our list!
Editors: Jillian Bauer-Reese / Designer: Siani Colón
