School Supplies: Where to Go for Help or Donate in the Upstate

Salvation Army in Spartanburg: Families should come for available school supplies starting August 10. Bring proof of your student’s enrollment, along with a picture ID, social security number, proof of income and expenses, and a DSS summary of household expenses. Print out information if you receive DSS services. Donations may be dropped off at the Salvation Army Administrative and Social Service Office, 576-6670, 1529 John B White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg, 29301.

Salvation Army in Greenville: Families need to apply in person at 417 Rutherford Street, Greenville, SC, August 11-13. They will receive book bags the same day. Bring picture ID, social security number, proof of income and expenses, and a DSS summary of households expense. Print out information if you receive DSS services. Donations will be collected through July 31st. Volunteers are needed for the distribution event. Call, 864-235-4803, for more info.

Supplies Needed Include:

Book Bags/Backpacks for all ages
Spiral Notebooks
Composition Books
Loose-Leaf Notebook Paper
2-Pocket Folders
Packs of No. 2 Pencils
Black and Blue pens
Boxes of 24 Crayons
Scissors
Glue Sticks
Colored Markers
Colored Pencils
Anti-Bacterial Wipes

Greenville County School District: Title I parents and families on free and reduced lunch can get backpacks from the United Way through a program called School Tools. Parents should also talk to their school to see if there are school supplies available.

Cherokee County School District: From Superintendent Dr. Bill James, "Buford Street Methodist church is currently gathering school supplies for children who may not have them. The supplies will be taken directly to the schools. I understand that the Salvation Army is doing something similar. We also have some help at the schools. Gaffney High has an endowment and district wide we can help some children. If we have someone who needs help they can contact the principal, guidance office or my office."

Union County School District: If students in our district who need help with purchasing school supplies would contact their guidance counselor, the counselor will give them the names of our local civic and faith based organizations that are assisting.

Spartanburg County: Central Church of Christ in Spartanburg off of Highway 9 (behind the Chrysler car dealership) is having its annual School Store on Saturday, August 15 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon...first come/first served. Last year we gave school supplies to over 700 students, and we plan to be able to help another 700 this year. You can get more information at 582-7453

Spartanburg District 2: Back to School Celebration and Health and Wellness Day: The Upstate Family Resource Center will be providing school supplies for the children in Spartanburg County School District 2. The event will take place on August 1st, from 10AM-2PM. The even held at the Upstate Family Resource Center, 1850 Old Furnace Road in Boiling Springs. Parents should bring their children with them and show proof of residence in District Two.

Spartanburg School District 3 recognizes the economic hardships facing local communities and elsewhere. Supply lists are closely examined for standardization from school to school and for the appropriateness of items requested. Families that experience a hardship purchasing school supplies have many alternate options. Parents are encouraged to check with officials at their child's school for information specific to each school. Below are alternatives offered across the district.

Donations made by local churches
Supplies issued by the school for families that express financial need
Donations made by schools' Parent-Teacher Organizations
Donations made to a district fund to assist families in financial need
Provision of needed supplies or clothing for students classified as homeless

Spartanburg District 4: Families in Spartanburg District 4 can submit supplies to the Woodruff Community Center which is coordinating the supply drive. The Center will deliver the supplies to the district office for distribution among the schools. For more information regarding making donations, one may contact the WCC Director, Ms. Chandra Todd. For families needing assistance in obtaining the supplies, they should contact the individual school counselor who communicates the need with the district office.

Spartanburg District 5: Middle Tiger Community Center: Middle Tiger Community Center will be helping students in District 5 get off to a great start this school year. School supplies will be distributed on August 14, from 2PM-6PM. The MTTC is located at 854 Groce Road, in Lyman. The school supplies will work for children from kindergarten through high school.

Spartanburg District 6: They should contact their individual schools.