Here’s where to get free school supplies, clothes in Centre County

With school starting in less than a month, signs of back-to-school sales are already appearing in stores around Centre County. But with inflation on the rise, everything from new clothes to new pencils could be costing families more this year.

The average parent will spend $864 on school supplies this year, according to the National Retail Federation. In a study this year, only 36% of parents said they could afford what their child needed for school, according to CNN.

But businesses and organizations in Centre County are working to help lighten the burden for families by collecting and donating school supplies.

FaithCentre Thrift Store in Bellefonte is hosting its annual back-to-school giveaway Aug. 1-6. Children can receive three outfits and a pair of shoes to get them ready for a new year.

FaithCentre is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The store recommends coming earlier in the week as Bellefonte’s Arts & Crafts Fair will take place Aug. 5-6. Additional information can be found at FaithCentre’s Facebook page.

Verizon stores across the country are giving away backpacks full of school supplies to children from 1-4 p.m. on July 31. Centre County has two Verizon stores participating, 141 S. Allegheny St. in Bellefonte and 2615 E. College Ave. in State College.

This is the 10th year Verizon will donate supplies and more than 140,000 backpacks will be given away nationwide, according to a news release. Students K-12 can also enter a sweepstakes for a $10,000 college scholarship during the event.

Backpacks will be given on a first come, first served basis with one per child. Any extras will be donated to local schools.

Places are also collecting donations across the county to give to families and teachers in need.

Salvation Army is collecting donations for its back-to-school program with donation boxes at East Coast Health and Fitness, Titan Market and State College Orthodontics. Supplies needed include pencil boxes, binders, notebooks, markers, glue and safety scissors. More information and updates can be found at the Salvation Army of Centre County’s Facebook page.

Mid State Orthodontics is hosting a Back to School supply drive for teachers at its State College and Lock Haven offices. The offices will be collecting throughout August and choosing two teachers to support on Aug. 25. Teachers or classrooms can be nominated for the drawing at Mid State Orthodontics Facebook page.