How to Get Free School Supplies in New York in September?

The New York Department of Probation will hold a free school supplies distribution event on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in Jamaica, Queens. The event distributes backpacks and essential supplies at no cost for city students, with no income requirements or prior application needed. Supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early arrival is recommended.

This activity closes the 2026 NeON campaign, following previous distributions in Brooklyn, Harlem, Staten Island, and the Bronx during August. The initiative coincides with the start of the 2026-2027 school year for New York public schools, scheduled for Thursday, September 10.

When and Where Will Free School Supplies Be Distributed?

The Queens event will be on Saturday, September 12, 2026, just two days after the official start of classes in New York public schools. The scheduled time is 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The distribution site is the Thomas White Jr. Foundation Office, located at 162-04 Tuskegee Airmen Way, Jamaica, NY 11433, in the borough of Queens. This address corresponds to one of the NeON program offices of the Department of Probation.

The city announced that backpacks and essential school supplies will be distributed free of charge to students. Available items are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, according to official information published by the NYC Department of Probation.

Who Can Receive Free School Supplies?

The program is directed at students in New York City, according to the Department of Probation. The official information does not detail income requirements or require submitting a prior application for this date.

Nor does it specify exactly what materials each backpack will contain. The program only indicates that essential school supplies for the educational cycle will be distributed.

The official recommendation is to review information about the NeON program before attending. Supplies are limited and distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis.

What Does the 2026 NeON Campaign Include?

The Queens event will be the last announced date within the current NeON distribution campaign. During August, the program organized similar distributions in Brooklyn, Harlem, Staten Island, and the Bronx.

The initiative coincides with the start of the 2026-2027 school year for NYC Public Schools. The academic year will begin on September 10 for students from 3-K through