Quick note
Programs and availability can change quickly. If a link is down or a program is full, call the organization directly or ask your childs school guidance counselor for the fastest referral.
St. Johns County / St. Augustine Resources
HUGS St. Johns
- Services: Provides personalized bags filled with school-appropriate clothing, new sneakers, socks, underwear, toiletries, and essential school supplies to students in need across St. Johns County.
- How to access: Programs are coordinated through local St. Johns County public school guidance counselors, social workers, and volunteer distribution channels.
- Website: stjohnshugs.org
INK! (Invest in Kids!) & Tools 4 Schools Program
- Services: Operates the year-round Tools 4 Schools supply depot and coordinates annual community-wide drives (like Stuff the Bus ). Free classroom and student supplies are distributed through local educators.
- Contact: (904) 547-7120
- Website: ink-stjohns.org
Alpha-Omega Miracle Home & Thrift Shop
- Services: Hosts community outreach initiatives including an annual Shoes of Hope shoe giveaway, diaper assistance, and thrift store voucher referrals for free clothing and shoes for families experiencing economic hardship.
- Website: aomh.org
St. Johns County School District ASSIST / FIT Program
- Services: Assisting Students in Sudden Transition (ASSIST) works with families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or sudden financial hardship to coordinate free school supplies, backpacks, and clothing assistance.
- How to access: Contact your childs school counselor or the SJCSD Homeless / ASSIST office.
Putnam County / Palatka Resources
Heart of Putnam Service Center (PCSC)
- Services: Central non-profit hub in Palatka. Provides crisis clothing assistance, thrift store shop vouchers (The HUB Thrift Store), and family emergency support.
- Location: 2600 Peters St., Palatka, FL
- Phone: (386) 328-0984
- Website: heartofputnam.com
Putnam County School District Title I & Back to School Bash
- Services: Annual district-wide event providing free backpacks, notebooks, writing utensils, and learning materials directly to local K12 students.
- Location: Held annually in August at the Putnam County Career & Technical Center. Contact the Putnam County School District Title I office for schedule details.
The Rock Program
- Services: School-based resource program that stocks middle and high schools with free clothing, new shoes, underwear/socks, hygiene supplies, and school materials to remove barriers for students.
- How to access: Students and parents can access items through participating Putnam County public school guidance offices and social workers.
Catholic Charities Bureau St. Augustine / East Region (Serving St. Johns & Putnam)
- Services: Offers emergency financial relief, food pantries, and seasonal back-to-school support vouchers or supply distributions for income-eligible families across both counties.
- How to access: Visit local Catholic Charities offices or contact emergency assistance specialists.
If your family is also dealing with an arrest
Sometimes back-to-school stress hits at the same time as legal stress. If someone you love is in custody, call or text Shea. No judgment. Shea will walk you through the next step.
Need help right now?
Call or text Shea directly available 24/7.