Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in Texas

Last updated: September 2025

This guide gives you the fastest, real‑world ways to get free school supplies and backpacks across Texas. You’ll find direct links, phone numbers, how to apply, what to bring, and smart back‑up plans. Keep this page handy, and share it with another mom.

If you only read one thing, read the next two boxes.

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call or text 2‑1‑1 and say “school supplies” to get today’s local drives and voucher programs; if 2‑1‑1 doesn’t route on your phone, dial the statewide alternate line 1‑877‑541‑7905 and ask for a callback if lines are busy; the operator can also connect you to your school district’s McKinney‑Vento liaison for immediate help with supplies and transport. 2‑1‑1 Texas (HHSC), 2‑1‑1 Texas alternate line details. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)
• Email or call your district’s homeless education contact today and ask for “Title I set‑aside support for school supplies”; tell them you’re requesting help under McKinney‑Vento so your child can start school ready; find your liaison on TEA’s TEHCY site and write down the contact name. TEA’s TEHCY program, TEA TEHCY program overview with supplies listed. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• If funds are tight right now, apply for One‑Time TANF online (a $1,000cashpaymentforfamiliesincrisis)anduseitforback‑to‑schoolcosts;startatYourTexasBenefitsandselect“One‑TimeTANF.”\ast [HHSCTANFpage](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/cash/tanf-cash-help)\ast ,\ast [TexasWorksHandbookshows$1,000 One‑Time TANF issuance](https://www.hhs.texas.gov/handbooks/texas-works-handbook/a-2320-eligibility-dates-benefit-amounts)*. (hhs.texas.gov)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

• 2‑1‑1 Help Line: Call 2‑1‑1 or 1‑877‑541‑7905 for local school supply drives, church giveaways, and voucher programs; ask for a text or email of referrals in English or Spanish; TTY 1‑877‑833‑4211 helps if you use relay. 2‑1‑1 Texas, 2‑1‑1 details. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)
• TEA McKinney‑Vento (TEHCY): Email HomelessEducation@tea.texas.gov or call 1‑512‑463‑9414 if your campus liaison is unresponsive; reference “Title I set‑aside for personal school supplies.” TEHCY program, TEA TEHCY overview. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Sales‑Tax‑Free Weekend: Mark Aug 8–10, 2025 for tax‑free backpacks and supplies under $100; shop in‑store or online; see item list. Texas Comptroller 2025 dates, Texas Comptroller calendar. (comptroller.texas.gov)
• Utility Shutoff Stop: Ask your retail electric provider for a deferred plan and “Critical Care” review; protections exist for medical conditions and extreme heat days; for complex cases, call OPUC at 1‑877‑839‑0363. PUC disconnection rule, OPUC consumer tips. (law.cornell.edu)
• Legal Help (free): If a program denied you or a school refused help, call a legal aid hotline; they’ll coach you on letters that work and appeal steps. Texas Court Help directory (legal aid numbers), Texas Law Help self‑help site. (texascourthelp.gov)

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What Free School Supplies Help Looks Like in Texas (and How to Get It Fast)

Start with your school district. Under federal McKinney‑Vento rules, districts can buy personal school supplies, uniform items required by the school, and pay fees that block access; they pay for this with Title I “set‑aside” funds and must remove barriers quickly. Use the TEHCY page to find your campus liaison and ask for a same‑week plan; if you are couch‑surfing, in a shelter, or doubled‑up, you qualify for services immediately. TEHCY network, TEA overview listing school supplies as allowable. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)

Churches, YMCAs, and local nonprofits run “back‑to‑school” drives, but many require online registration or that the child be present; use 2‑1‑1 to filter events by date and zip code, then call the host to confirm age, ID, and limits per family; ask if they can note a medical or disability accommodation. 2‑1‑1 Texas, United Way Local pages for 2‑1‑1. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

Plan tax‑free purchasing for any gaps. The state’s Sales Tax Holiday covers most school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and shoes under $100fromAug8toAug10,2025;onlineordersplacedduringthewindowcountevenifdeliverycomeslater.ChecktheComptroller’slistandwatchhandlingfees,whichcanpushanitemover$100 and kill the exemption. Comptroller July 2025 notice, Comptroller tax holiday calendar. (comptroller.texas.gov)

Reality Check

Backpack drives fill up fast; many close online registration 7–14 days before the event; some switch to “drive‑through” distribution which can mean a two‑hour wait; supplies run out before the posted end time. Always ask the host about rain dates and the “child must be present” rule; bring water and snacks in case of long lines. Dallas Mayor’s Fair 2025 registration close notice, Houston Mayor’s Back 2 School details. (nbcdfw.com)

The Big Texas Programs You Can Use Right Now

Below are the most reliable statewide and large‑city options, plus who gets priority and what to bring.

School District and TEA‑Backed Supports

School districts can act faster than outside charities. If you are staying in a motel, car, shelter, a friend’s place, or you moved due to economic hardship, ask for “McKinney‑Vento protections” and “Title I supplies.” Districts can buy backpacks, notebooks, and uniform shirts, and they must provide school‑of‑origin transportation if moving would cause instability. TEHCY program hub, TEA guidance that includes school supplies and uniforms. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)

If the campus says “we don’t have funds,” email the district homeless liaison and copy HomelessEducation@tea.texas.gov; attach your short note asking for “immediate enrollment, supplies, and transportation” and include your phone number. If a dispute starts, the law says your child stays in the requested school while the appeal is handled. TEA dispute process, TEA TEHCY page. (tea.texas.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for help from a legal aid intake line; bring your email thread so they can coach you on a one‑page demand letter; if your child has an IEP, call SPEDTex for special‑education‑specific options and grants. Texas Court Help legal aid numbers, SPEDTex parent line. (texascourthelp.gov)

YMCA Operation Backpack (Greater Houston) and More

The YMCA of Greater Houston runs one of the state’s largest backpack campaigns; 2025 distributions aimed to reach 30,000+ children across 22 sites; hosts often partner with major employers for extra supplies; check the YMCA page and your nearest branch’s feed for time slots. YMCA Operation Backpack (Houston), Memorial Hermann support for YMCA backpacks. (ymcahouston.org)

Volunteers of America Texas also runs Operation Backpack in Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth; many events require pre‑registration; ask if walk‑ups are allowed near the end. VOA Texas Operation Backpack, 2‑1‑1 Texas search. (voatx.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call your local Assistance League chapter for “Operation School Bell” clothing vouchers; these programs often include a new backpack and basics, and referrals come through school counselors. Assistance League Houston — Operation School Bell, Assistance League San Antonio — Operation School Bell. (assistanceleague.org)

Salvation Army “Stuff the Bus” (Texas Locations)

Salvation Army units across Texas run “Stuff the Bus” at Walmart stores each July or early August; nearby examples include San Antonio (2,200 elementary kids goal) and New Braunfels/Comal County (multiple Walmarts); check your local corps page for dates; some sites also give hygiene kits. San Antonio Stuff the Bus, New Braunfels Stuff the Bus. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)

Always confirm “child must be present,” ID rules, and whether clear backpacks are required by your district; some districts, like Corpus Christi ISD, require clear bags. CCISD clear backpack rule, CCISD updates. (ccisd.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 for churches that fill teacher “closets” and send supplies home discreetly; ask for programs that can deliver if you have no car. 2‑1‑1 Texas, United Way local pages. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

Military Families — Operation Homefront Back‑to‑School Brigade

If you’re a veteran or active‑duty single mom with DEERS‑enrolled K‑12 kids, register for Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade; events ran in multiple Texas cities in July–August 2025 and fill fast. Create a My Operation Homefront account, watch your dashboard for eligible events, and join the waitlist if full. Operation Homefront BTSB, Operation Homefront events. (operationhomefront.org)

Check for base‑hosted events like NAS JRB Fort Worth family nights that include backpack distribution; bring base ID and arrive early; stations often announce “supplies are limited.” Fort Worth BTSB event listing, PR note on Texas partner support. (allevents.in)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact the Texas Veterans Commission Women Veterans Program for a warm handoff to local partners; add the VA Women Veterans Call Center to your phone for quick benefits navigation. TVC Women Veterans Program, VA Women Veterans Call Center. (tvc.texas.gov)

2025 Sales‑Tax‑Free Weekend — How to Stretch Every Dollar

You can save the 8.25% sales tax on most clothing, shoes, backpacks, and classroom supplies priced under $100fromFriday,Aug8toSunday,Aug10,2025;onlinecheckoutduringthosedatesqualifiesevenifshippingislater;reviewtheComptroller’slistforwhatcountsandwatchfor“extras”likedeliveryfeesthatpushitemsover$100. Comptroller July 2025 details, Comptroller 2025 calendar. (comptroller.texas.gov)

Table: Sales‑Tax‑Free Basics (Texas 2025)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use One‑Time TANF or local charity vouchers to buy during the holiday; compare store pickup across two retailers in separate windows, as prices change hourly that weekend; confirm return rules before buying. HHSC One‑Time TANF, A‑2320 TANF policy reference. (hhs.texas.gov)

Eligibility, Documents, and How to Apply (Fast)

You’ll save time by prepping a single “back‑to‑school” folder for events and school offices.

Table: What Programs Ask For and How to Apply

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school office for a handwritten note stating “student needs supplies” and take it to the campus social worker or Communities In Schools coordinator; they can pull from teacher closets or district donations. Communities In Schools Dallas, CIS‑SA Stuff The Bus. (cisdallas.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Networks

• Assistance League chapters outfit kids with clothing and often include a backpack; referrals go through schools; ask your counselor to connect you. Assistance League Houston, Assistance League San Antonio. (assistanceleague.org)
• Catholic Charities in Houston runs ongoing school supply collections and can connect you to distribution partners; call ahead before visiting; bring a photo ID. Catholic Charities Houston, School supplies drive page. (catholiccharities.org)
• St. Vincent de Paul conferences help with clothing and sometimes school items; find your nearest conference through your parish or the council site. SVDP North Texas, SVDP Southwest Texas get help. (svdpdallas.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for “teacher resource closet,” “clothes closet,” and “youth center” referrals; ask if any sites deliver to home or school. 2‑1‑1 Texas, 2‑1‑1 North Texas info. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

Resources by Region (Where to Go Near You)

These examples change each year—always click to confirm dates and rules before you go.

Houston / Harris County

• City of Houston’s Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair gives 20,000 backpacks and basic supplies (K‑5); check registration; free health screenings available. Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair, Event sponsor list and contacts. (houstontx.gov)
• ABC13’s “Share Your School Supplies” citywide drive stocks teacher shelves and campus pantries; ask your teacher or counselor for supplies from these donations. ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive, KTRK recap and how to help. (houstonfoodbank.org)
• YMCA Operation Backpack runs dozens of Houston‑area distribution points; most are first‑come; check your nearest branch page. YMCA Houston Operation Backpack, Memorial Hermann support. (ymcahouston.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Check event boards for neighborhood giveaways (civic clubs, sports teams, faith groups) the week before school; these often have no registration. Houston Rockets community backpack events coverage, C.J. Stroud YMCA giveaway coverage. (houstonchronicle.com)

Dallas / Fort Worth

• Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair at Fair Park serves 10,000+ kids; registration closes early; bring your QR code and ID. Dallas Mayor’s BTSF site, NBC5 registration deadline article. (mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com)
• Watch for YMCA and Volunteers of America backpack events around DFW; some are drive‑through and child must be present. VOA Texas Operation Backpack, 2‑1‑1 lookup. (voatx.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your campus Communities In Schools site coordinator for supplies from campus stock or an off‑site partner. CIS Dallas, Texas CIS affiliates overview—Houston example of partner drives. (cisdallas.org)

Austin / Travis County

• Austin ISD partnered events include the “Back to School Fiesta” and CommUnityCare’s vaccination/backpack day; these mix immunizations, backpacks, and school enrollment help. Austin ISD Back to School Fiesta, CommUnityCare Back to School event. (austinisd.org)
• Dress for Success Austin hosts a community Back to School Bash with supplies and kids’ haircuts; supplies are while they last. DFS Austin Back to School Bash, Austin ISD events calendar. (dressforsuccessaustin.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your campus to contact TEHCY for immediate supplies if you’re between housing; copy TEA if needed. TEHCY contacts, TEHCY program page with supplies detail. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)

San Antonio / Bexar County

• Communities In Schools of San Antonio’s Stuff The Bus fills campus closets all year; contact your campus for access; donors fill CIS stock in June–August. CIS‑SA Stuff The Bus, CIS‑SA info page. (stuffthebus.cissa.org)
• Salvation Army’s San Antonio Area Command runs a Walmart “Stuff the Bus” plus distribution through youth centers and shelters; check dates and locations. Salvation Army SA Stuff the Bus, San Antonio Area Command event page. (southernusa.salvationarmy.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the Housing Authority of Bexar County about its 850‑backpack campaign and who it partners with; they often direct families to specific pick‑ups. HABC supply drive notice, 2‑1‑1 Texas. (habctx.org)

El Paso / Far West Texas

• Moms On Board (MOB) hosted a 2025 Bassett Place giveaway with backpacks, sports physicals, and vaccines; watch local calendars for repeats. MOB Back to School Event, KVIA coverage of EPCC backpack giveaway. (mobep.org)
• Operation H.O.P.E. and partners hosted free backpack events at the Boys & Girls Club; child must be present and it’s first‑come. Operation H.O.P.E. event listing, El Paso Mom event listings. (allevents.in)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Connect with Ysleta del Sur Pueblo’s Department of Tribal Empowerment if you’re a member household; they run education support and back‑to‑school fairs for Tigua families. Ysleta del Sur Pueblo — Empowerment, Dept. forms include “Authorization Letter Release of school supplies”. (ysletadelsurpueblo.org)

Rio Grande Valley / South Texas

• IDEA Public Schools ran open backpack giveaways across San Juan, La Joya, and Brownsville in July 2025; child must be present; check your campus page. KRGV coverage, Alternate KRGV listing. (krgv.com)
• McAllen Public Library hosts “Back to School Bash” events with supplies and hygiene items; first‑come rules apply. MPL Back to School Bash page, Library calendar listing. (mcallenlibrary.net)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Look for city or county health fairs that pair vaccines with backpack giveaways; smaller towns post in local news calendars. Laredo events coverage, Gateway CHC health fair (Laredo) info. (lmtonline.com)

Lubbock / West Texas

• City of Lubbock’s Back‑2‑School Bash handed out 5,000 backpacks at the Civic Center; watch the city events page as dates shift year to year. City event detail, KCBD coverage. (ci.lubbock.tx.us)
• Lubbock Dream Center and Catholic Charities also run seasonal giveaways; check updates for dates and registration steps. Lubbock Dream Center, Catholic Charities Lubbock listing. (lubbockdreamcenter.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor to tap partner funds for emergency supplies; many have a modest budget for late enrollees. City event page, Local news reminder. (mylubbock.us)

Tyler / East Texas

• Tyler’s #SchoolIsCool distributes about 2,000 backpacks; child must be present; free parking is limited—plan ahead. City of Tyler page, Chamber calendar listing. (cityoftyler.org)
• Family Crisis Center of East Texas collects school supplies for children of survivors; ask advocates about current stock and pickup hours. Family Crisis Center drive, Tyler Morning Telegraph donation appeal. (members.lufkintexas.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school social worker to connect you to a local St. Vincent de Paul conference for clothing and basics; some offer backpacks too. SVDP SW Texas, SVDP North Texas. (svdpsa.org)

Diverse Communities: Targeted Help and Where to Ask

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your school to identify a safe contact for your child; request supplies without public pickup if safety is a concern; many campuses allow discreet office pick‑ups; for supportive counseling and referrals to welcoming sites, contact a major urban LGBTQ+ center or your district’s counseling office; if you face harassment at events, report it in writing to your district Title IX coordinator. TEA TEHCY supplies guidance, 2‑1‑1 Texas directories. (teadev.tea.texas.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Call SPEDTex for special‑education guidance and learn about PDSES (a $1,500 one‑time grant that paid for educational materials and services; the 2024‑25 window closed, but check updates); ask your campus for home delivery if mobility is limited; request large‑print forms; TTY and relay services are available for most hotlines. SPEDTex parent resources, PDSES info. (spedtex.tea.texas.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Register for Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade if you have DEERS‑enrolled K‑12 children; for other support, contact the Texas Veterans Commission’s Women Veterans Program for direct referrals and virtual office hours. Operation Homefront BTSB, TVC Women Veterans Program. (operationhomefront.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can ask for supplies and enrollment help regardless of citizenship; schools cannot deny enrollment for lack of typical documents; check Catholic Charities and Refugee‑serving nonprofits for back‑to‑school events with translation and ID help; 2‑1‑1 can search by language and area. Catholic Charities Houston supplies, 2‑1‑1 language line details. (catholiccharities.org)
• Tribal‑specific resources: If you are Alabama‑Coushatta, Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, or Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, contact your tribe’s education or empowerment office for back‑to‑school fairs and scholarship help; ask about school supplies authorization letters. Alabama‑Coushatta Tribe — directory, KTTT Tribal Education, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo — Department of Tribal Empowerment. (alabama-coushatta.com)
• Rural single moms with limited access: If you can’t reach a big event, ask your school office for supplies from campus stock and request delivery via bus driver or front office; use the FCC’s Lifeline program for a phone or internet discount to keep in touch with schools; Texas Lifeline enrollment uses the state process—ask your provider for help. FCC Lifeline consumer page, Texas Broadband Office map/tools. (fcc.gov)
• Single fathers: All the programs in this guide apply; if you need a quick child‑support check‑in, call the Attorney General Child Support Division or the Access & Visitation Hotline for parenting‑time questions; ask your school office to add your email and phone for supply notices. Texas OAG Child Support, Access & Visitation/Tx Access resource. (oag.state.tx.us)
• Language access: Ask for Spanish forms and interpreters at every large event; 2‑1‑1 has a language line for 150+ languages; TEA and DSHS school vaccine pages offer Spanish materials for K‑12 immunizations. 2‑1‑1 language access, DSHS school vaccine portal. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Texas Today (So You Can Afford Supplies)

• Call your electric provider and say this exact phrase: “I want a deferred payment plan and to check if I qualify as a Critical Care or Chronic Condition residential customer.” If someone in your home uses electrically powered medical equipment or has a serious condition, disconnection can be delayed with physician verification; providers must also avoid cutoffs during extreme heat days. PUC disconnection rule (16 TAC §25.483), KVUE explainer on the “extreme weather” rule. (law.cornell.edu)
• Apply for CEAP (utility assistance) through your county’s Community Action Agency; funds run out early; bring your last 30 days of income and your last 3 electric bills. TDHCA CEAP, Local CEAP intake example: Webb County. (tdhca.state.tx.us)
• If you hit a wall, call OPUC for a quick strategy and complaint options; they cannot forgive bills, but they can guide you on protections you can use today. Office of Public Utility Counsel, FCC Lifeline for connectivity. (opuc.texas.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your pediatrician or clinic to sign the medical form for Critical Care quickly; call back, give the case number, and request a supervisor; ask for a 48‑hour hold while you submit documents. PUC rule excerpt, LIHEAP Clearinghouse Texas disconnection protections. (casetext.com)

Vaccines, School Forms, and Clear Backpack Rules

Combine your supply pickup with vaccine stops to save time. Texas DSHS posts updated K‑12 vaccine requirements by grade; many back‑to‑school events include free shots. Call your clinic and ask about the Texas Vaccines for Children program for free vaccines if your child is uninsured or on Medicaid. DSHS school vaccine requirements (2025‑26), School and Childcare vaccine hub. (dshs.state.tx.us)

Check your district’s backpack policy—some require clear bags; if that’s the rule, tell event staff so they can match what your district allows. Corpus Christi ISD clear backpack policy, District “Virtual Backpack” info hub. (ccisd.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school nurse for a temporary grace period on missing vaccines if you’re waiting for an appointment; your campus can tell you your options. DSHS school vaccine page, School immunization FAQs. (dshs.state.tx.us)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until the week of school to register for big city events. Registration windows close early and waitlists are long; set alerts and apply as soon as forms open. Dallas Mayor’s Fair registration deadline, Mayor’s Fair site. (nbcdfw.com)
• Not telling the school your housing status. If you’re doubled‑up or in a motel, you have rights; schools can provide supplies and transport; you don’t need to wait for a charity drive. TEHCY program hub, TEA supplies guidance. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Skipping the tax holiday because you think it’s only in stores. Online orders placed during Aug 8–10 qualify; watch the $100 item rule including handling fees. Comptroller July 2025 notice, Comptroller calendar. (comptroller.texas.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Table: One‑Glance Helpers

Application Checklist (screenshot‑friendly)

• Photo ID: Driver license, state ID, passport, or school ID (any one is fine). Your Texas Benefits, 2‑1‑1 Texas. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Child information: Full name, grade, campus name, student ID if you know it. TEA TEHCY, School vaccine page (for records). (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Proof of address (if you have it): Lease, utility bill, shelter letter; if you’re homeless, tell the school and enroll without documents. TEA TEHCY rights, District McKinney‑Vento examples. (teadev.tea.texas.gov)
• Income proof for cash help: Last 30 days pay stubs, benefits letters, or a short written statement about job loss; upload to Your Texas Benefits if you apply for One‑Time TANF. HHSC TANF page, A‑2320 policy. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Medical forms if needed: For Critical Care electric protections or school health needs; ask your clinic for same‑day signatures. PUC rule summary, KVUE explainer. (law.cornell.edu)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

• Denied by school: Email the district homeless liaison and copy the TEA TEHCY mailbox; ask for the McKinney‑Vento dispute process in writing; your child must be allowed to attend during the dispute. TEHCY contacts, TEA dispute process. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Denied One‑Time TANF: Ask for a supervisor callback through Your Texas Benefits; clarify crisis reason; upload any missing document and re‑submit; if still denied, call legal aid for an HHSC appeal. HHSC TANF, Texas Court Help legal aid numbers. (hhs.texas.gov)
• No callback from charities: Re‑dial 2‑1‑1 and ask for three additional alternative agencies; request a text list and ask whether any “no‑show” supplies are re‑released later that day. 2‑1‑1 Texas, 2‑1‑1 info and alternate line. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

Real‑World Examples (so you know what to expect)

• Houston: The Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair at GRB distributed 20,000 backpacks in 2025; immunizations and screenings were on site; plan for morning crowds and bring your registration QR code. City of Houston BTSF, Event sponsor details. (houstontx.gov)
• Dallas: The city fair served more than 10,000; registration closed a week before; if you missed it, some nonprofits held small events the following weekend. Mayor’s Back to School Fair site, NBC5 story on deadline. (mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com)
• Lubbock: The City‑wide Bash gave out 5,000 backpacks; child presence required; free haircuts were offered; get there early for parking. City listing, KCBD coverage. (ci.lubbock.tx.us)
• Tyler: #SchoolIsCool reached roughly 2,000 kids; first‑come; they’ve improved line management due to large crowds. City page, KLTV preview. (cityoftyler.org)

More Tables You Can Use

Table: Who Else Helps With Clothing and Uniforms

Table: Helpful State/Federal Offices

FAQs (Texas‑specific)

1. How do I get school supplies if I’m living with family temporarily?

Ask the school for McKinney‑Vento support; you don’t need to wait for a charity event; districts can provide personal supplies and uniforms and must enroll without typical documents; use the TEHCY directory to find your liaison. TEA TEHCY, TEA TEHCY supply guidance. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)

2. Can the school pay for my child’s required uniform?

Yes—if you qualify under McKinney‑Vento, uniform items required by the school are an allowable Title I set‑aside use; ask your liaison. TEA guidance listing clothing items, District policy example. (teadev.tea.texas.gov)

3. What if my city’s big backpack fair is full?

Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for late‑season events, small church giveaways, and your district’s counselor closet; also check if your child’s school partners with Communities In Schools. 2‑1‑1 Texas, CIS‑SA Stuff The Bus. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

4. When is Texas’ tax‑free weekend and what should I buy?

It’s Aug 8–10, 2025; buy backpacks, clothes, and supplies under $100 each; online orders count if placed during those dates; check the Comptroller’s list. Comptroller July 2025, Comptroller calendar. (comptroller.texas.gov)

5. I’m a veteran single mom—any special programs?

Yes—Operation Homefront’s Back‑to‑School Brigade for DEERS‑enrolled K‑12 kids and the Texas Veterans Commission’s Women Veterans Program can connect you to events and benefits. OH BTSB, TVC Women Veterans. (operationhomefront.org)

6. My child needs special‑education supplies or tech. Can I get help?

Ask the school for assistive materials through the IEP; for home use, watch TEA’s PDSES page for grant windows; call SPEDTex for options. SPEDTex, PDSES program. (spedtex.tea.texas.gov)

7. We can’t afford internet—how do we keep up with school emails?

Apply for the FCC Lifeline discount (phone or internet); Texas uses a state process—ask your provider to help with the application; use library Wi‑Fi for uploads. FCC Lifeline, Texas Broadband Office map/tools. (fcc.gov)

8. I’m new to Texas—what shots does my child need for school?

Check DSHS’ K‑12 requirements by grade; many back‑to‑school events include free immunizations; bring immunization cards or ask the clinic to print. DSHS school vaccine requirements, School immunization hub. (dshs.state.tx.us)

9. Where do I find clear backpack rules?

Check your district’s site; some require clear backpacks district‑wide; if required, ask drives for clear bags; organizers can often swap. CCISD clear backpack policy, District info hub. (ccisd.us)

10. What if I need parenting‑time help or child support info while juggling all this?

Call the OAG Child Support Division and the Access & Visitation Hotline; they can guide you on orders and resources. OAG Child Support, TX Access & Visitation. (oag.state.tx.us)

What to Do If Nothing Above Works

• Ask your campus to escalate to the district’s McKinney‑Vento lead and the Title I director on the same email; copy TEA’s HomelessEducation@tea.texas.gov; use the subject line “Immediate barriers to school attendance—supplies & transportation.” TEA TEHCY, TEA dispute process. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Ask legal aid for a same‑day consult; they’ll help you craft a short, effective email that gets action. Texas Court Help legal aid numbers, 2‑1‑1 Texas for more referrals. (texascourthelp.gov)

Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Este resumen en español fue creado con herramientas de traducción por IA y debe verificarse con los enlaces oficiales.

• Dónde conseguir mochilas y útiles: Llame al 2‑1‑1 o al 1‑877‑541‑7905 y pida “school supplies”; recibirán una lista por texto con eventos y programas cerca de usted. 2‑1‑1 Texas, Información 2‑1‑1. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)
• Apoyo escolar si está sin vivienda: Contacte al enlace de McKinney‑Vento de su distrito y pida “Title I set‑aside” para útiles y uniformes; use el directorio del TEA (TEHCY). TEHCY, Guía TEA. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Fin de semana sin impuestos: 8 al 10 de agosto de 2025; compre mochilas y útiles (menos de $100 por artículo), en tienda o en línea. Contralor de Texas, Calendario 2025. (comptroller.texas.gov)
• TANF pago único ($1,000): Solicite por internet en Your Texas Benefits para cubrir útiles, uniformes, o cuotas; es para familias en crisis. HHSC TANF, Política A‑2320. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Vacunas escolares (requisitos): Revise los requisitos por grado y busque ferias con vacunas gratuitas. DSHS vacunas escolares, Portal escolar de DSHS. (dshs.state.tx.us)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Texas Education Agency (TEA) — McKinney‑Vento and Title I set‑aside for supplies. (tehcy.tea.texas.gov)
• Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) — TANF and One‑Time TANF information. (hhs.texas.gov)
• Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — Sales Tax Holiday dates and rules. (comptroller.texas.gov)
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — K‑12 vaccine requirements. (dshs.state.tx.us)
• Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) — CEAP utility assistance. (tdhca.state.tx.us)
• Public Utility Commission rules and OPUC — disconnection protections and consumer steps. (law.cornell.edu)
• 2‑1‑1 Texas — statewide referral database. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. 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 does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. For the most accurate, up‑to‑date guidance on your situation, contact your school district, 2‑1‑1 Texas, or the agencies linked throughout this article. 2‑1‑1 Texas, TEA TEHCY. (hmgnt.findconnect.org)

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Bonus: Print‑Ready Mini‑Planner (use with your phone’s Notes app)

• Events I registered for: Write event name, date/time, address, “child must be present?”, and bring list.
• School contacts: Counselor name, liaison email, front‑office phone.
• Purchases for tax‑free weekend: List items with prices under $100; add links to online carts.
• Plan B list: Two churches, one YMCA branch, one SVDP conference, one CIS contact.
• Ride/childcare: Who can drive? Is bus or Metro an option? Add times.

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🏛️More Texas Resources for Single Mothers

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• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery