Where to find free supplies and donation spots as the 2023-24 school year approaches

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register
·3 min read
School supplies await students at Edmunds Elementary school in Des Moines. Several communities are hosting supply drives to help students in need this year.
School supplies await students at Edmunds Elementary school in Des Moines. Several communities are hosting supply drives to help students in need this year.

Summer came and went, and now students are prepping to be back in the classroom. Some spots in the metro have began programs to provide both students and schools K-12 supplies. Here's where you can find free school supplies, or donate to a student in need:

West Des Moines Human Services School Supply Distribution

Every August, West Des Moines Human Services hosts a school supply distribution for qualifying, low-income West Des Moines residents. Income verification and appointments are required to receive supplies. Registration is available at wdm.iowa.gov/schoolsupplyregistration and ends Aug. 10, and the supplies distribution will take place on Aug. 15

School physicals are also available to low-income, uninsured or under-insured youth at the Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic, located in the building. Immunizations are not available at this clinic.

Walk-ins are welcome and residency in West Des Moines is not necessary to utilize this clinic. Clinic hours are Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., you must be checked in by 7:30 p.m.

Location: 139 Sixth Street, West Des Moines

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Back 2 School Bash

The Back 2 School Bash is back again, and free school supplies is available for Des Moines students. The bash hopes to have enough supplies for approximately 1,000 students. The event will be hosted Aug. 20 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., or until supplies runs out. You can also donate to sponsor a student's school supplies at back2schooliowa.org.

Location: John R. Grubb YMCA, 1611 11th St., Des Moines

Project Fresh Start

Project Fresh Start in Ankeny provides school supplies and backpacks for students attending Ankeny schools, Ankeny Christian Academy, St. Luke and Ankeny homeschool students. Donations to support the project are welcome at ankenyschools.org. The giveaway will take place Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Prairie Ridge Middle School, 1010 NW Prairie Ridge Drive, Ankeny

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Casey's Cash for Classrooms

Casey’s is asking customers to round up purchases at the register to help support local schools . When you visit a Casey’s between now at Sept. 5, you can round up your purchase to the nearest dollar or add a flat dollar amount to any purchase and your donation will benefit grants to local schools. Details and grant applications at caseys.com/community.

Location: Any local Casey's

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Fill the Bus with School Supplies

Hy-Vee and Iowa Realty have partnered to "Fill the Bus" with school supplies this year and donate school supplies for students in need. Iowa Realty's bus will be in the Hy-Vee parking lot until Aug. 7. A full list of school supplies needed is listed on Iowa Realty's Facebook Page.

Location: Waukee Hy-Vee (1005 E. Hickman Rd., Waukee)

Donations can also be dropped off at Iowa Realty offices in Altoona, Ankeny, Des Moines, Indianola, Knoxville, Newton, Waukee and West Des Moines

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to find free school supplies and donate to students in need