Where to find free school supplies in and around Lansing
LANSING — Cooler temperatures made a surprise visit earlier this week, reminding everyone that a new school year is just around the corner.
As Greater Lansing families prepare for another school year, there are some local churches, groups and other organizations that want to help with free school supplies, backpacks and more.
Here's a list:
Potterville Back to School Bash
Potterville families are invited to attend a 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday event at the Potterville Public Schools' campus, 425 E. Main St., for "a fun gathering" that will feature free Kona Ice, free backpacks and free school supplies while they last.
Eaton Clothing & Furniture Center
The Charlotte center, 135 S. Washington St., invites children from low-income households to make Wednesday through Friday appointments for new shoes, school supplies, personal care items and undergarments. Interested parents must register their children online for an appointment. Call 517-543-4334 or email donate2ecfc@gmail.com for more information.
Rae of Sunshine in Lansing
St. Stephen's Community Church, 1007 Kimberly Drive in Lansing, is inviting families to a Rae of Sunshine third annual Back to School Block Party. The noon to 4 p.m. Saturday event promises to have free school supplies while they last, plus food, games, prizes, vendors, a mini-health fair and more.
Tabernacle of David to throw barbecue
The Tabernacle of David, 2645 W. Holmes Road in Lansing, is hosting a 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday BBQ & Backpack Giveaway with "1,000 backpacks to disperse." Free haircuts are also planned, along with some 3-on-3 basketball action, vaccination and cholesterol checks, and a dunk tank.
Church picnic in Bath
Bath United Methodist Church, 13777 Main St., is hosting a back-to-school picnic from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Besides a free lunch, there will be free school supplies. "All are welcome" at the event also promising music, face painting and more.
Community fun in Charlotte
Charlotte Assembly of God, 1100 E. Clinton Trail, is hosting a free community event at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16. Besides inflatables for kids, the event will have free backpacks full of supplies while they last.
Brotherhood Against Drugs
Brotherhood Against Drugs is offering free food, haircuts, blood pressure checks and backpacks during a noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 19, Back to School Giveaway event at St. Joseph Park, 2125 Hillsdale St. in Lansing. In conjunction, Footprints of Michigan will present free "new and gently used footwear and cleats" while supplies last.
If you know of other back-to-school events geared toward helping families, contact Lansing State Journal Local News Editor Susan Vela at 248-873-7044 or svela@lsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Where to find free school supplies in and around Lansing
