I’ve seen several posts recently from parents looking for school supply assistance in Columbia, TN, and with back-to-school just around the corner, I thought it might help to round up all the local school supply giveaway events I’ve been able to find.
These are typically designed to support families who could use a little help covering school-related expenses. If you’re in that spot, I hope you find an event here that works with your schedule. While Columbia TN Kids Guide typically shares events that focus on younger kids, this roundup includes resources for school-age children, including incoming kindergarteners who fall into the age range I’m looking to support.
This list includes everything I’ve come across so far, but I know I may have missed something and more events may be added. If you know of additional local school supply events or resources, please email me and I’ll gladly add it.
While school supply shopping isn’t on my list this summer, I spent a big part of my teenage years helping families complete their back to school shopping. Because of this, I know just how stressful and expensive it can be.
And if you’re planning to shop for school supplies, don’t forget that Tennessee’s tax-free weekend runs from Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27, 2025. It’s a great chance to save on school supplies, clothing, and more. More on that at the end.
Please note: Columbia TN Kids Guide is not affiliated with any of the organizations hosting these events. If you have questions, need more details, or want to confirm anything, please reach out to the event organizers directly. Event times and details may change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check before you go.
The River Church – Columbia
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
Location: 2486 Park Plus Dr, Columbia, TN 38401
Website: https://www.therivercolumbia.com/
This giveaway is geared toward school-age kids and families. Free backpacks, school supplies, clothes, shoes, hotdogs, and popsicles will be available while supplies last.
Mount Pleasant Parks & Rec – Splash Pad Event
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: 501 Gray Ln, Mt Pleasant, TN 38474
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BxigKs9gB/
Mount Pleasant Parks & Rec is hosting a giveaway with free backpacks filled with school supplies for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. Families can also enjoy splash pad time and a free hot dog while supplies last. Supplies are limited, so come early.
C1 Church – Outdoor Movie & Supply Giveaway
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: 907 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN 38401
Website: http://c1.church/
Enjoy bounce houses, games, food trucks, and an outdoor movie. Elementary students can receive a full-size backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. The movie begins at dusk. Bring a lawn chair.
Columbia Avenue Church of Christ – Drive-Thru Giveaway (Multiple Locations)
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: Begins at 8:00 AM
Locations:
- Central High School – Columbia, TN
- Fairview Park – Columbia, TN
- Mt. Pleasant Middle School – Mt Pleasant, TN
- Hickman County High School – Centerville, TN
Columbia Avenue Church of Christ is hosting its 12th Annual Back to School Giveaway Drive-Thru with 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards for students. This is a drive-thru style event for quick and easy pickup. Available while supplies last. Event flyer can be found here.
Catholic Charities – St. Catherine of Siena
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 9:00–11:30 AM
Location: 3019 Cayce Ln, Columbia, TN 38401
Contact with Questions: 931-223-5444 or lcampos@cctenn.org
Website: https://stcatherinecc.org/
Families can pick up school supplies, snacks, door prizes, and learn about community resources. Supplies available while they last. Park in front and enter through the side doors. Event flyer can be found here.
School Supply Giveaway – Bountiful Blessings Ministries
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Creekside Community Center (108 E Willow St, Columbia)
Description: Families can pick up backpacks and a full range of school supplies including pencils, pens, folders, crayons, markers, glue, scissors, and more. Children must be present to receive supplies. Flyer can be found here.
Back to School Giveaway – One Way Church
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: The Ashley Apartments (2516 Pitts Ct, Columbia)
Description: Backpack giveaway with school supplies, games, prizes, and free food and drinks. RSVP here.
AT&T Back to School Bash – School Supply Giveaway
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: 618 James M Campbell Blvd S, Columbia, TN 38401
Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19WigFWRSd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Description: This free back to school event includes a school supply giveaway (while supplies last), a raffle for teachers, and on-site food trucks: Roll Up Columbia (rolled ice cream, milkshakes, sweet treats) and Tacos With Soul (street style tacos with a soulful twist). Families are encouraged to come out, enjoy the afternoon, and celebrate the start of a new school year together.
Pentecostals of Columbia – Block Party
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
Location: 955 Baker Rd, Columbia, TN 38401 (behind the church off Burt Drive)
Website: https://poctn.church/
Description: Free school supplies, lunch, snowcones, bounce houses, and games. Event flyer can be found here.
Theo’s Golden Laine Back-to-School Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM (while supplies last)
Location: Foxhill Ridge Apartments, 1815 Reedy Way, Columbia, TN 38401
Website: Theo’s Golden Laine Facebook Page
Description: This second annual community giveaway provides free clothes, shoes, and backpacks to local children in need. Donations of gently used items are welcome in advance, and pick-up or drop-off can be arranged. All items will be distributed on-site in the grassy area of Foxhill Ridge Apartments while supplies last. Event details can be found here.
Back 2 School Water Bash – New Day Community Church
Date: Friday, August 2, 2025
Time: 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Location: New Day Community Church, 120 W 7th St, Columbia, TN 38401
Website: https://www.facebook.com/newdaycolumbia
Description:
This free community event features food, games, water fun, and school supply giveaways. Families are invited to cool off and celebrate the season while getting ready for the new school year. Event flyer can be found here.
School Supply Support – The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps families prepare for the new school year by offering free backpacks and essential supplies to children in need. Events vary by location and often take place throughout August, so families are encouraged to contact their local Salvation Army office early to ask about available resources. If you’re in a position to give, many locations also accept donations of new school supplies or gently used backpacks. To find the closest location or learn how to help, visit https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/locations.
Tennessee Tax-Free Weekend: July 25–27, 2025
Doing your own school supply shopping? Tennessee’s tax-free weekend is a great time to grab everything your kids will need for back to school and save you a little money in the process. If this is new to you, there are no qualifications or documentation needed. You can simply shop as usual and the discount automatically applies, but note there are some restrictions.
From Friday, July 25 through Sunday, July 27, you won’t pay sales tax on school-related items. That includes:
- School supplies (like notebooks, crayons, glue, backpacks)
- Clothing (under $100 per item, including shoes and outerwear)
- Computers (under $1,500 for personal use)
Full details and exclusions: TN Department of Revenue – Sales Tax Holiday
I know it’s hard to believe it’s already that time of year. Whether you’re prepping for another school year or sending a kindergartener off for the first time, I hope this makes things feel a little easier and less stressful.
If you found this list helpful or know someone who could use it, please spread the word. We can’t take advantage of the resources available in Columbia, TN if we don’t know about them. And again, if you hear of any other giveaways or local resources in Columbia or Maury County, let me know and I’ll keep this updated.
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