Families needing school supplies have a few special events and organizations they can contact for assistance. Community donations are encouraged as well.
Cambridge City
A supply distribution is planned at the Back to School Bash from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Cambridge City Christian Church, 106 W. Church St. Families can find free haircuts, games, bounce houses, food, a photo booth and vehicles to explore. Organizers aim to provide supplies for at least 175 Western Wayne students at this year’s bash.
Wayne County Health Department is collecting school supplies to share at the event. Supply requests include backpacks, crayons, pencils, markers, paper, folders, pens, glue, scissors, dry erase markers, index cards, school boxes, cleansing wipes, tissues, reusable water bottles, headphones, hand sanitizer, and new clothing and underwear for students who have accidents.
Items can be dropped off until Aug. 1 at WCHD, 100 S. Fifth St., Richmond, or at one of six donation boxes around the county.
Boxes are available at public libraries in Cambridge City, Centerville, Hagerstown and Richmond, and at two Richmond vehicle dealerships, Cronin Toyota (5601 National Road E.) and Freedom GMC (3200 E. Main St.)
WCHD will distribute any supplies collected after July 26, or any leftover items, to schools and their nurses.
For more information, email scornett@4c.church or call 765-478-5123.
Meridian Health Services
Another free Back-to-School Fit Fair is taking place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Richmond High School, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond.
People of all ages can receive free health screenings from Meridian, and no appointment is required for $10 sports physicals. Wayne County Health Department offers low-cost immunizations.
Backpacks, school supplies, food and drinks will be given while supplies last. Inflatable games and activities are planned.
For more information, visit meridianhs.org/events/fit-fair/fit-fair-richmond/ or call 866-306-2647.
Excel Center
The Excel Center is planning a school supply giveaway for the public from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at its campus, 1215 S. J St., Richmond.
Visitors can learn about various resources at the adult high school, where anyone 16 and older can go back to school and earn their high school diploma at no charge. Excel also offers free daycare as well as certification classes and dual-credit classes through Ivy Tech Community College at no cost to students.
For more information, call 317-524-3734.
Ongoing
Communities in Schools
Children attending public schools in Wayne County can receive free academic supplies, personal care products, clothing, food and connections to various social services.
Families can contact their child’s school to request a connection with a site coordinator serving their building.
For more information, call 765-983-2263 or visit ciswayneco.org.
RE Hub
East Central Indiana RE Hub at 1700 N.W. Fifth St. in Richmond offers reusable school and office supplies that have been donated to keep them out of landfills. Shoppers are to weigh their selections and are encouraged to make a donation to help fund RE Hub’s expenses.
The RE Hub also accepts many kinds of packaging for food and personal care products that can’t be recycled through curbside collections.
Hours are 1-6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
A version of this article appeared in the July 23 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.