The stress and emotions of parents and caregivers preparing their children for the new school year can vary between families. For some, the pressure to ensure our children are equipped with the required school supplies can be a financial burden or overwhelming. The Oregon community offers several resources for parents and caregivers to support their children as they gear up for the new school year this fall. 

Clothes for Kids: The Beaverton School District 48J’s Clothes for Kids program is a district-run, volunteer-supported program that provides free clothing for students (grades K-12) from families with limited income up to two times per school year. Clothes for Kids is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. To schedule an appointment or learn more, click here. 

Back 2 School Summer Block Party: The Salvation Army of Portland (8495 SE Monterey Avenue, Happy Valley, OR 97086) is hosting a Back 2 School Summer Block Party Sunday, August 25, 2023, at 5 p.m., for children in grades K-8th grade. Bring your kiddos to join us for music, games, face painting, a bounce house, haircuts, and much more. Free school supplies will be available for children with parent/guardian present (parent/guardian must show proof of ID and official documentation with the child’s date of birth. For more information, call 503-239-1224.

School Supply Give-Away: The Salvation Army of Gresham (located at 473 SE 194th Ave. Portland, OR 97233) is holding its annual School Supply Give-Away on Sunday, August 27 at 10:30 a.m., for children in grades K-8th grade. Only 100 spots are available! For more information, call (503) 661-8972.

Rose Haven: Rose Haven, a day shelter and community center for victims of abuse or trauma, is hosting its Back to School Drive through the end of August to supply students with school supplies such as backpacks, calculators, folders, notebooks, and more. School supply pick-up is held at 1740 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209. Learn more by clicking here.

Does your child take the bus? The City of Portland website offers several resources and tips for parents with little ones taking the bus. Ensure your little ones are briefed on bus safety and passenger expectations to ensure a safe and smooth commute experience before starting the new year. Click here to view bus routes by district and additional safety tips.  

Immunization Assistance: Immunizations are required by Oregon state law for children and students in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, childcare facilities, and Head Start programs in Oregon. For families without a primary provider of health insurance, the counties listed below offer free immunization services to help your child receive the required immunization as they start the new school year:

For Multnomah County:

Multnomah County Health Department (619 NW 6th Avenue, Room 150, Portland)

For Clackamas County:

New Hope Community Church

11731 SE Stevens Road in Happy Valley

For Washington County 

Neighborhood Health Center (For clinic location options, visit https://www.nhcoregon.org/locations)

For Crook County:

The Crook Kids Clinic (757 E 1st St, Prineville, OR 97754)

For Deschutes County:

Mosaic Community Health (2577 NE Courtney Drive Bend, OR 97701)