Where You Can Find Free or Low-Cost Back to School Resources
Did you know Bissell Centre helps families with children entering school? Bissell Centre receives supplies each year to give to families with children about to enter grade one through our Family Support Services team (find the contact information below).
This is just one of the low or no cost supports available to families facing barriers to affording the growing costs associated with sending children to school. Navigating all these services can be complicated — Bissell Centre’s Family Support Services team can help you uncover the supports that will work best for you and your family.
If you want to meet with our Family Supports team, you can find them at the Bissell Centre Service Hub at 10527, 96 Street. You can contact our Family Supports team directly:
- 780-423-2285 ext. 133.
If you’re reaching out to any of the services on this list, please visit their websites for their criteria. For a full list of additional services, call 211.
School and Education Technology
Bissell Centre Family Support Services — supplies are limited. Please reach out directly to learn more about what’s currently available.
Income Support for School Expenses
You could be entitled to receive support from the Government of Alberta to help pay for school expenses. Qualified families can receive annual financial assistance for school expenses:
- $63.00 per year per child aged 4 or 5 or in kindergarten
- $121.00 per year per child aged 6 to 11 or in elementary school
- $208.00 per year per child aged 12 or older or in junior high or high school
Click to learn more about how to qualify and how to apply for this benefit.
School Supplies – Pencils, Paper, Binders, etc.
Many schools offer programs to supply children from qualifying families in need with school supplies for the year. Contacting your school if your first best step to ensuring your children have everything they need for the school year. If this option isn’t available to you, here are some community-based resources that can help.
Can Man Dan — the 14th annual We’re Here For Ya Day will be on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Shadified Salon & Spa (12222 137 Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta). This is an annual event where the Can Man Dan organization provides free backpacks full of school supplies for families who qualify. Registration is required to receive a backpack full of school supplies for the year and closes on August 16, 2026. Click to be taken directly to the registration page, which includes further information about this program.
Free or low-cost clothing for Back to School
KARA Family Resource Centre – The annual Kicks of Kids event is coming up on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Trinity Reformed Church (13427 57 Street, Edmonton). Families can receive footwear for all children going back to school in the fall.