Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in Arkansas
Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in Arkansas
Last updated: September 2025
Single moms in Arkansas need fast, clear ways to get backpacks and school supplies. This guide focuses on real programs with dates, phones, and how to apply. Use the links as you go—every program and office is linked so you can act right away. You can also call statewide help at Arkansas 211 or apply for benefits at Access Arkansas for short‑term cash and food help that frees up money for supplies. For school-based help, use the DESE School Locator to find your district and reach your counselor today. (211arkansas.org)
If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take
- Call now for live referrals: Dial 2‑1‑1 or 1‑866‑489‑6983 to reach Arkansas 211 and ask for “Back-to-School/School Supplies.” If hold times are long, use the search box on Arkansas 211’s website and request a texted list. TTY and interpreter services are available. (211arkansas.org)
- Contact your school counselor or the McKinney‑Vento liaison today: Use the DESE Directory to find your district, or call the state liaison list on Homeless Education Services. Ask about “supply closets,” fee waivers, and immediate enrollment rights if you’re in crisis. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Use Arkansas’ tax‑free weekend info to stretch every dollar: Arkansas’ 2025 Sales Tax Holiday ran Saturday, August 2 through Sunday, August 3 this year; mark your calendar for next August. See the official eligible items and rules on Arkansas DFA’s Sales Tax Holiday page and confirm dates each summer on the Arkansas House update. (dfa.arkansas.gov)
Quick Help Box – Keep These 5 Contacts Handy
- State benefits helpline: Call 1‑855‑372‑1084 or apply at Access Arkansas for SNAP (food), TEA/Work Pays (cash), and ARKids (child health). TTY English 1‑800‑285‑1131; Spanish 1‑866‑656‑1842. See DHS Contact page. (access.arkansas.gov)
- United Way school‑supply drives: Check dates and pickup details for your area at United Way of Northeast Arkansas – Stuff the Bus and United Way of Central Arkansas – Stuff the Bus. For NWA, watch United Way NWA Fill the Bus updates. (uwnea.org)
- Library events with free supplies: Many branches host “Back‑to‑School Bash” giveaways—check CALS events and your local library’s calendar. Use Arkansas 211 if you need help finding library events in your county. (events.cals.org)
- WIC (free food for kids under 5 and moms): Call 1‑800‑235‑0002 or 1‑501‑661‑2508, or see Arkansas WIC for eligibility and local clinics; request interpreters if needed. (healthy.arkansas.gov)
- Operation Homefront (military families): Register for the Back‑to‑School Brigade for free backpacks near active installations (watch for Little Rock AFB listings). If waitlisted, ask your FRG or school liaison officer. (operationhomefront.org)
How to Get School Supplies Fast in Arkansas
Your quickest path is through your child’s school. Counselors and nurses can pull from “supply closets,” connect you to district drives, and flag you for McKinney‑Vento supports if you’re doubled‑up or between places. Use the DESE School Locator to find district contacts, and if you are homeless or in crisis, email or call the state Homeless Education Services team for your local liaison. Many United Way drives send supplies directly to districts, so staff are often the gatekeepers for those donated backpacks; see United Way NWA’s Fill the Bus FAQ that tells families to ask school counselors and nurses. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
If you can travel, hit community events. The Samaritan Community Center BackPacks for Kids in NWA distributes thousands of backpacks at Arvest Ballpark. Central Arkansas hosts the United Way of Central Arkansas Stuff the Bus plus CALS Back‑to‑School Bash events with giveaways. Northeast Arkansas runs United Way NEA Stuff the Bus at multiple Walmarts; many churches add their own backpack days. (samcc.org)
Reality Check: Supplies move fast at public events. Lines form early. Bring kids (many events require child present), a photo ID, and proof of school if asked. Confirm hours with event links like United Way pages and Samaritan Community Center the day before. Funding and ticket rules can change year to year. (uwnea.org)
Table: Where to Get Backpacks and School Supplies in 2025
| Program | Who It Helps | How to Access | Key Date/Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Way NEA – Stuff the Bus | Families in 7 NEA counties | Go to listed Walmart sites; schools later distribute | Main drive ran Sat, Aug 2, 2025; supplies flow to districts | United Way NEA (uwnea.org) |
| United Way Central AR – Stuff the Bus | Faulkner/Perry area | Drop sites + Conway Walmart event; schools get supplies | Aug 2, 2025 event; check volunteer links | UWCA Stuff the Bus (uwcark.org) |
| United Way NWA – Fill the Bus | Benton/Washington | Event redesign for Fall 2025; ask school counselors now | Follow “New Event Coming Fall 2025” updates | UWNWA Fill the Bus (unitedwaynwa.org) |
| Samaritan Community Center – BackPacks for Kids | NWA at‑risk kids | Ticket pickup at SCC cafés; event at Arvest Ballpark | Tickets June 1–July 18; event late July | SCC BackPacks for Kids (samcc.org) |
| Rogers Dream Center – Back to School Bash | NWA families | Free haircuts and school support | Aug 9, 2025 | Rogers Dream Center Events (rogersdreamcenter.org) |
| Libraries – CALS (Little Rock area) | Central AR families | Branch events with supplies while they last | Early–mid August; check local branches | CALS events (events.cals.org) |
| Our House – Pack the Backpack (LR) | Our House families; some new residents | Contact staff; donations fill resident needs | July–Aug drive; call first | Our House: Pack the Backpack (ourhouseshelter.org) |
| Texarkana Community Back‑to‑School Bash | Miller County area | Free backpack/supplies at Razorback Stadium | Aug 9, 2025; first‑come, first‑served | TASD Bash details (tasd7.net) |
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor to tap the district’s emergency “supply closet” or McKinney‑Vento funds via the Homeless Education Services team, and call Arkansas 211 to search small church drives posted close to event dates. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
Use Arkansas’ 2025 Tax‑Free Weekend to Save on Gear
Arkansas waives state and local sales tax on clothing under 100peritem,clothingaccessoriesunder100 per item, clothing accessories under 50, plus school supplies, instructional materials, art supplies, and student electronics during its annual weekend. According to the Arkansas DFA 2025 Sales Tax Holiday notice, the 2025 holiday ran from 12:01 a.m. Sat, Aug 2 through 11:59 p.m. Sun, Aug 3, 2025. The Arkansas House update confirms that items like laptops and calculators qualify as “electronic devices” if used for school. Check the DFA itemized list before you shop next August. (dfa.arkansas.gov)
Pair the holiday with school drives for maximum savings. Buy shoes and uniforms during the Sales Tax Holiday, then grab donated backpacks from United Way events. If you need supply lists, many districts publish them on their sites, like Little Rock School District’s 2025 Back‑to‑School Essentials Guide. (dfa.arkansas.gov)
Table: Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday—Eligible Categories and Tips
| Eligible Category (examples) | Price Rule | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing (shirts, pants, shoes) | < $100 per item | Stack store coupons; the exemption is per item, not total cart. See House explainer. (arkansashouse.org) |
| Accessories (belts, purses) | < $50 per item | Avoid separating pairs (e.g., shoes sold together) to “beat” the limit—DFA forbids it. See DFA guidance. (dfa.arkansas.gov) |
| School supplies & art supplies | No price cap (most items) | Buy binders, paper, crayons; bring supply lists from district pages. (lrsd.org) |
| Student electronics (laptops, tablets, printers) | Usual cap rules per device list | Compare specs and keep receipts for returns; review DFA item list. (dfa.arkansas.gov) |
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you missed the tax‑free weekend, ask your school about “loaner devices,” and request assistance for required calculators through your school counselor’s office. Check the DESE Homeless Education page if housing instability is affecting supplies. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
State and Local Programs Focused on School Supplies and Backpacks
United Way Drives: In Northeast Arkansas, United Way NEA’s Stuff the Bus serves 20 districts—schools distribute what’s collected. In Central Arkansas, United Way of Central Arkansas partners with Pine Street Backpack and CAPCA Head Start to push supplies into classrooms. In NWA, United Way NWA is relaunching Fill the Bus in Fall 2025—meanwhile, ask counselors for leftover stock. (uwnea.org)
Samaritan Community Center (NWA): The BackPacks for Kids event serves roughly 4,000 children with backpacks, socks, and often haircuts. Pick up a ticket in June/July at café hours, then attend the July event at Arvest Ballpark. If you missed their date, call your district (via DESE School Locator). (samcc.org)
Rogers Dream Center (RDC): The Back to School Bash offers free haircuts and back‑to‑school support in August. If you need help before the Bash, message RDC about clothing and hygiene supplies, and ask Arkansas 211 to search church drives near Rogers and Bentonville. (rogersdreamcenter.org)
Libraries and Community Events: CALS branches run Back‑to‑School Bash giveaways and teen socials with supplies; Saline County Library also hosts prize‑based supply events. If you live in Texarkana, see the TASD Back‑to‑School Bash for free backpacks while they last. (events.cals.org)
Little Rock area (Our House): If your family is in shelter or just moved into the program, Our House’s Pack the Backpack equips kids in residence. Newcomers should call 1‑501‑374‑7383 ext. 184 and ask staff how to get on the list. Use Arkansas 211 for other LR events if you are not an Our House resident. (ourhouseshelter.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply for short‑term support at Access Arkansas and ask for TEA “supportive services” for job/education needs; your caseworker may provide gas cards or other help so you can reach events. Call the DHS helpline (1‑855‑372‑1084) and tell them you need “TEA supportive services for back‑to‑school.” See TEA/Work Pays for program info. (access.arkansas.gov)
How to Apply at Events (and What to Bring)
Event rules vary. Most first‑come events want your child present and may ask for your child’s school name and grade. To speed check‑in, bring a photo ID and a recent document with your address. For ticketed events like Samaritan Community Center’s BackPacks for Kids, grab a ticket weeks ahead. For drives coordinated by United Way NEA and similar groups, supplies often flow straight to schools, so follow your counselor’s instructions. (samcc.org)
If you can’t get to an event, call Arkansas 211 and ask for mobile or church pickups near you. Some NWA churches list backpack days on Facebook; libraries like CALS post late‑adding events on their calendars. (211arkansas.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school for “supply closet” items and request your district’s McKinney‑Vento liaison via DESE Homeless Education Services. If you need cash for uniforms, apply for TEA through Access Arkansas and tell your worker you need help with back‑to‑school essentials. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
Federal and State Supports That Free Up Money for Supplies
- SNAP (food help): Apply at Access Arkansas or get forms on the SNAP page. If you qualify for “expedited” SNAP, benefits can load in 7 days or less—ask your worker. Use savings to buy shoes or uniforms. (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
- TEA/Work Pays (cash): If you’re parenting a child and meet income rules, TEA provides time‑limited cash and “supportive services” like transportation. Apply through Access Arkansas or read the TEA/Work Pays overview. (access.arkansas.gov)
- WIC (kids under 5 and moms): WIC gives monthly foods and nutrition support. Call 1‑800‑235‑0002 or see Arkansas WIC to book at your county health unit. WIC offers interpreters and language access. (healthy.arkansas.gov)
- **Summer EBT (120perchild)∗∗:Duringsummer,eligiblestudentsget120 per child)**: During summer, eligible students get 120 in food benefits. Arkansas confirmed 2025 participation with an April 8 update; see the DHS news release and DESE memo page for details. Apply when your district opens the window; many kids qualify automatically. (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask a DHS worker to screen you for all programs at once at Access Arkansas, and call Arkansas 211 for pantry‑based “school supply corners” at churches and nonprofits. (access.arkansas.gov)
How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Arkansas Today
If a shutoff is looming, request LIHEAP crisis help immediately. The Arkansas Office of Energy partners with community action agencies to take LIHEAP applications each winter and summer. Use the LIHEAP page at Arkansas Energy & Environment to find your local agency and ask about “Crisis Intervention” up to the current cap (the national LIHEAP Clearinghouse profile listed typical $500 crisis caps; local rules vary by funds). You can also call your utility’s customer service and request a “medical or hardship” hold, then bring your shutoff notice to your LIHEAP appointment. (adeq.state.ar.us)
If your county’s funds are paused, call Arkansas 211 and ask for churches and nonprofits with “utility assistance,” and ask your school counselor to note the crisis with the liaison so kids aren’t penalized for uniform or late enrollment issues. The DESE Homeless Education team can connect you to your district liaison. (211arkansas.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work: File a LIHEAP application anyway to get in the queue (agencies time‑stamp by day); follow up weekly using the Arkansas Energy office LIHEAP page and ask about the next intake dates. If the shutoff happens, bring the reconnect bill to your LIHEAP agency and ask for crisis priority. (adeq.state.ar.us)
Diverse Communities: Tailored Help and Access Options
LGBTQ+ single mothers: For youth‑centered support in central Arkansas, Lucie’s Place offers housing and resource help and can share local drive info; call 1‑501‑508‑5005. For trans‑affirming microgrants and advocacy, contact Intransitive at 1‑501‑400‑8060 and ask about emergency funds that can free up money for school supplies. Schools must serve your child without discrimination—reach your counselor via the DESE Directory and report barriers to the district equity office. (luciesplace.org)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: For assistive tech, job supports, or accommodations, call Arkansas Rehabilitation Services at 1‑800‑330‑0632, and request help with communication access (TAP/relay) if needed. For legal advocacy in school IEP/504 disputes, contact Disability Rights Arkansas at 1‑800‑482‑1174; ask for large‑print forms or alternate formats. Use the DESE School Locator to get your special education director’s email. (dws.arkansas.gov)
Veteran single mothers: Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade serves DEERS‑enrolled dependents; bring IDs and register early. For state support, reach the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs at 1‑501‑683‑2382 and ask for county service officer contacts; Vet Centers like Fayetteville Vet Center can connect you to family resources. (operationhomefront.org)
Immigrant or refugee single moms: For low‑cost immigration help and case management, call Catholic Charities Immigration Services (Little Rock/Springdale) at 1‑501‑664‑0340 or 1‑479‑927‑1996. Refugee families should contact Canopy NWA at 1‑479‑717‑7358; they coordinate newcomer support and share school supply drives with partner congregations. Use Access Arkansas in Spanish or Marshallese for benefits. (dolr.org)
Tribal‑specific resources: If you or your child are citizens of a tribe, ask about clothing grants. The Cherokee Nation Children’s Clothing Assistance Program offered 150in2025andallowedat‑largecitizenstoapplythroughtheGadugiPortal;verifycurrentrulesanddeadlines.The∗[ChickasawNationYouthClothingGrant](https://www.chickasaw.net/Services/Youth−Services−Clothing−Grant.aspx/)∗provides150 in 2025 and allowed at‑large citizens to apply through the Gadugi Portal; verify current rules and deadlines. The *[Chickasaw Nation Youth Clothing Grant](https://www.chickasaw.net/Services/Youth-Services-Clothing-Grant.aspx/)* provides 350 for eligible citizens ages 3–high school seniors, including at‑large citizens. Bring your CDIB/citizenship card and your child’s info to enroll. (kxmx.com)
Rural single moms: If you live far from events, ask your school for counselor pickup of donated supplies and check your county library’s calendar (e.g., CALS). Use Arkansas 211 to locate small town faith drives. If transport is the barrier, apply at Access Arkansas and ask TEA for gas or ride help under “supportive services.” (events.cals.org)
Single fathers: Every program listed is open to dads who meet the rules. Apply for SNAP/TEA via Access Arkansas and call Arkansas 211 for local supply drives; school counselors help dads too. (access.arkansas.gov)
Language access and accessibility: DHS provides helplines with TTY in English, Spanish, and Marshallese on Access Arkansas; WIC offers interpreter services at Arkansas WIC. Ask for large‑print or Braille forms when you call Disability Rights Arkansas or your district’s 504 office via the DESE Directory. (access.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work: If you run into bias or denials, document names and dates, then call the district office using the DESE School Locator and ask for the superintendent’s designee or equity coordinator. For disability‑related disputes, contact Disability Rights Arkansas. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
Resources by Region (Who to Contact First)
- Northwest Arkansas: Start with United Way NWA Fill the Bus updates, Samaritan Community Center tickets, and your district via the DESE Directory. Check Rogers Dream Center for the Bash. (unitedwaynwa.org)
- Central Arkansas (Little Rock/Conway): Follow UWCA Stuff the Bus, CALS event calendar, and Pine Street Backpack Program. LR families can check the LRSD Back‑to‑School Essentials Guide. (uwcark.org)
- Northeast Arkansas (Jonesboro and surrounding): Head to United Way NEA Stuff the Bus; watch local outlets like KAIT8 coverage for tallies and late add‑ons; ask your school counselor via the DESE Directory. (uwnea.org)
- South & Southeast (Pine Bluff/Texarkana/Delta): Look for library and city‑partner events like TASD Back‑to‑School Bash and check United Way of Southeast Arkansas for local referrals. Use the DESE resources portal to find county agencies. (tasd7.net)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the first week of school: Drives mostly happen in late July and early August. Use United Way pages and library calendars in mid‑July, and ask counselors early. (uwcark.org)
- Not asking the school directly: Many drives deliver to districts, not families. United Way NWA instructs families to work with counselors and nurses. Use the DESE Directory to contact the right person. (unitedwaynwa.org)
- Assuming you don’t qualify for benefits: Even small TEA or SNAP amounts help. Apply through Access Arkansas and let your worker know you’re seeking school supplies. Check SNAP/TEA pages and ask about expedited SNAP. (access.arkansas.gov)
Reality Check: Funding swings every year. A drive that served 1,000 kids last summer might have 500 this year. Always confirm times on event pages like United Way NEA or Samaritan Community Center the day before, and have a Plan B through your school. (uwnea.org)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Need | First Action | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Local backpack event this week | Search Arkansas 211; filter “school supplies” | Ask your school counselor for the supply closet |
| NWA backpack help | Check SCC BackPacks for Kids or UWNWA updates | Ask district via DESE Directory |
| Central AR (Conway/LR) | UWCA Stuff the Bus and CALS events | Pine Street Backpack Program |
| Benefits to free up cash | Apply at Access Arkansas; call 1‑855‑372‑1084 | Use WIC if child <5 |
| Summer food for kids | See Summer EBT | Ask school’s child nutrition office via DESE |
Application Checklist (printable/screenshot‑friendly)
- Photo ID and basic contact info: Keep your ID, a current bill, and your phone number ready for event sign‑in or school offices found via the DESE Directory. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Child details: Full name, grade, school (find using School Locator), and any special needs to request appropriate supplies. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Eligibility docs (if asked): For benefits, upload to Access Arkansas—income proof, rent or utility bill, and Social Security numbers. Ask helpline 1‑855‑372‑1084 about uploading by phone. (access.arkansas.gov)
- Event rules: Check event pages like United Way NEA and CALS for “child must be present” or ticket requirements. (uwnea.org)
Processing Times and What to Expect
- SNAP: If you qualify for expedited processing, benefits can load within 7 days; standard applications may take up to 30 days. Apply at Access Arkansas and watch your messages. See the SNAP page. (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
- TEA/Work Pays: Expect an interview and document checks; ask about “supportive services” for school‑related needs. See TEA policy overview. (humanservices.arkansas.gov)
- United Way/Community Drives: Many are one‑day, but schools distribute through September. Confirm with your counselor and event pages like UWNEA. (uwnea.org)
Table: Typical Wait Times (non‑crisis)
| Program | First Response | Full Decision/Access |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | 3–7 days (expedited) or 10–30 days (standard) | EBT loads after approval; use Access Arkansas inbox for notices |
| TEA | 7–15 business days | Cash/supportive services after eligibility meeting; see TEA info |
| School supply drives | Same day at event | School distributions continue 2–4 weeks into semester; watch United Way pages |
What to do if this doesn’t work: If your application stalls, call the Access Arkansas helpline at 1‑855‑372‑1084 and ask for a callback window. For school items, keep following up with the counselor and your PTA page; drives receive late corporate donations. (access.arkansas.gov)
County-Specific Variations You Should Know
- Benton/Washington (NWA): UWNWA’s Fill the Bus is being refreshed for Fall 2025; rely on Samaritan Community Center and school closets in August. (unitedwaynwa.org)
- Faulkner (Conway): Expect strong coordination between UWCA Stuff the Bus and the Pine Street Backpack Program, with distribution through schools. (uwcark.org)
- Craighead/Greene/Mississippi (NEA): UWNEA’s multi‑county drive fills school closets across 20 districts, so ask counselors right after Aug. 2‑3. (uwnea.org)
- Miller (Texarkana): The TASD Back‑to‑School Bash includes backpack giveaways; arrive early with kids present. (tasd7.net)
FAQs (Arkansas‑Specific)
- How do I get a backpack this week in Little Rock? Check CALS events for branch giveaways and call Arkansas 211 for pop‑up church drives. If you’re an Our House resident, ask staff about Pack the Backpack. (events.cals.org)
- I missed United Way’s event—what now? Supplies often move to schools. Email your counselor via the DESE Directory and ask for the “supply closet.” In NWA, check Samaritan Community Center for any late distributions. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Do I need to show proof of income at backpack events? Usually no, but bring ID and proof of school if asked. Confirm on event pages like UWNEA or TASD Bash. (uwnea.org)
- Where do I find my child’s supply list? Districts post lists online. See LRSD Back‑to‑School Essentials Guide or search your district via the DESE Directory. (lrsd.org)
- Can homeschoolers get help? Many church drives serve all K‑12 students. Use Arkansas 211 and your local library calendar for open events. (211arkansas.org)
- Who helps if my child is homeless or doubled‑up? You have rights under McKinney‑Vento, including immediate enrollment and fee/supply help. Contact your liaison through Homeless Education Services or call a counselor via the DESE Directory. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
- Are there help options for military families? Register for Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade. For state benefits and referrals, call ADVA at 1‑501‑683‑2382. (operationhomefront.org)
- Can tribal citizens in Arkansas get school clothing help? Cherokee citizens have applied for $150 through the Cherokee Nation Clothing Assistance; Chickasaw citizens can apply for the Youth Clothing Grant. Check deadlines yearly. (kxmx.com)
- How do I get Spanish or Marshallese help when applying? Use Access Arkansas Help for helpline TTY numbers in Spanish and Marshallese, or ask Arkansas WIC for interpreter services. (access.arkansas.gov)
- Is there a place to see community resources by county? Try the ADE Statewide Community Resources Portal and search by region or county, then call Arkansas 211 to verify hours. (scr.ade.arkansas.gov)
Tables You Can Use When Planning
Table: State and Community Options by Situation
| Situation | Primary Option | Second Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need a backpack this weekend | Arkansas 211 search by county | Check library events | Bring kids and ID; arrive early. (211arkansas.org) |
| Northwest Arkansas | Samaritan Community Center | UWNWA updates | Schools distribute leftovers; ask counselor. (samcc.org) |
| Central Arkansas | UWCA Stuff the Bus | CALS events | Pine Street Backpack supports Conway schools. (uwcark.org) |
| Northeast Arkansas | UWNEA Stuff the Bus | Church events (search 211 ) | Schools restock closets first weeks. (uwnea.org) |
Table: Budget Stretchers
| Tactic | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shop on tax‑free weekend | DFA Sales Tax Holiday info | Avoid state/local tax; electronics and supplies included. (dfa.arkansas.gov) |
| Use Summer EBT food savings | DHS Summer EBT update | $120 frees cash for supplies. (humanservices.arkansas.gov) |
| Ask school for loaner items | DESE Directory | Many schools keep calculators/lockers/PE uniforms. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov) |
If Your Application Gets Denied
- For benefits (SNAP/TEA): Ask for a supervisor callback through Access Arkansas at 1‑855‑372‑1084 and request a “fair hearing” if needed; keep your case number handy. The DHS Contact page lists main and TTY lines. (access.arkansas.gov)
- For school supports: Email your principal and the McKinney‑Vento liaison via Homeless Education Services and ask for emergency supply assistance. If access barriers involve disability, call Disability Rights Arkansas at 1‑800‑482‑1174. (dese.ade.arkansas.gov)
- For event turn‑aways: Ask staff where leftovers go (usually to schools). Call Arkansas 211 to find a later event or a nonprofit closet you can visit this week. (211arkansas.org)
“Reality Check” Notes on Funding, Tickets, and Delays
- Tickets: Some NWA events like Samaritan Community Center use tickets picked up weeks ahead; no ticket means no entry. Ask early. (samcc.org)
- Leftover supplies: After major drives like United Way NEA Stuff the Bus, districts stock closets for counselors. That’s why calling your school is often faster than calling agencies. (uwnea.org)
- Dates change: Watch official pages like DFA’s Sales Tax Holiday page and United Way pages the week of the event. (dfa.arkansas.gov)
Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)
Para mochilas y útiles escolares gratis, empiece llamando al 2‑1‑1 o visitando Arkansas 211 para buscar “school supplies” en su condado. Pida ayuda a la consejera escolar de su hijo usando el Directorio de DESE, y pregunte por el “supply closet” o el enlace de McKinney‑Vento si tiene problemas de vivienda. Revise los eventos de United Way NEA – Stuff the Bus (NEA), United Way of Central Arkansas (Conway/LR) y Samaritan Community Center (NWA). Para beneficios que liberan dinero (comida/dinero), solicite en Access Arkansas (línea 1‑855‑372‑1084) y consulte WIC si su hijo es menor de 5 años. Confirme fechas oficiales del Feriado de Impuestos Escolares en agosto. Si le rechazan apoyo, pida hablar con un supervisor (DHS) o llame a la oficina de McKinney‑Vento de su distrito por el sitio de DESE. (211arkansas.org)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.
This guide uses official sources including:
- Arkansas Department of Education (DESE)
- Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)
- Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) – Sales Tax Holiday
- Arkansas 211
- United Way NEA / Central Arkansas / NWA, https://www.uwcark.org/stuffthebus, https://unitedwaynwa.org/fill-the-bus/
- Samaritan Community Center – BackPacks for Kids
- CALS – Central Arkansas Library System
- Operation Homefront – Back‑to‑School Brigade
- Arkansas WIC (ADH)
- Arkansas Energy & Environment – LIHEAP
Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice or an agency determination. Program dates, amounts, and rules change based on funding and policy updates. Always confirm with the official websites and offices linked here, including DHS/Access Arkansas, DESE, and DFA Sales Tax Holiday before you apply or travel. If you have an urgent need, call Arkansas 211 or your local district via the DESE Directory. (access.arkansas.gov)
What to do if this still feels overwhelming:
- Ask a real person: Call Access Arkansas at 1‑855‑372‑1084 and say, “Please screen me for SNAP and TEA, and I need back‑to‑school help.”
- Use your school: Contact your counselor via the DESE Directory and ask for the supply closet and the McKinney‑Vento liaison.
- Call 211: Request at least three nearby events and one faith‑based option from Arkansas 211. (access.arkansas.gov)
Good luck—you’ve got options. Use the links above, make the calls, and get your kids set up for school without blowing the rent.
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- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
