Try: www.fabfree.com they have 2 pages of links to free things for kids( and other categories too). On the ones that are sponsored by a big company, I'd suggest using the contact us or similar link to send an email requesting quantities, explaining what they'll be used for--I've found that most companies are happy to oblige. Ford Motors has a Blues Clues packet for younger kids about safety that is really nice.
I'm trying to remember, but I had gotten a box of bookcovers with all the cartoon characters(Kirby, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles etc. from( I think) Fox Kids. It had enough to give one to each child in the school.
Hope this helps.

Thanks. We have ordered items from there. Was hoping there might be some other places as well. Thanks again for your response.

The best place I can think of for things like that would be Oriental Trading
wwww.orientaltrading.com/
Plus they have certain times that with a $60 order you get free shipping.

I am looking for inexpensive awards/incentives to give as part of our collaborative efforts with the school to encourage attendance and no tardiness.

Any suggestions for where to look for inexpensive -- preferably prizes that can be used in school (e.g., erasers, pencils, notepads etc.)