Many organizations are offering free backpacks, hair cuts, classroom supplies, and more before the first day of school.
It’s back-to-school season, and last year’s backpack still might have a lingering smell of crayons. Luckily, throughout August, there are back-to-school drives, supply giveaways, and free backpacks that can help your little one be ready for the first day of school, which is Sept. 5 in Philadelphia.
Check out the supply drives listed below and connect with your community. Many back-to-school drives promote their events locally or through social media. Local schools, churches, and community organizations operate supply giveaways, too. Keep in mind, many of these events offer free giveaways until supplies run out.
You can get free backpacks and school supplies at district back-to-school events throughout August. There will also be immunization clinics with pre-registration, pre-K to 12th grade registration, and you can receive important updates about the upcoming school year.
Mega-events:
- August 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Ave.
- August 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave. (Corner of Cottman and Bustleton Avenue, behind Wendy’s)
Pop-up events:
- August 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bridesburg Recreation Center, 4601 Richmond St.
- August 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Overbrook Educational Center, 6722 Lansdowne Ave.
- August 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Willard Elementary School, 1930 E. Elkhart St.
Date & Time: August 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Between 60th and 61st Market St.
Backpacks notebooks, pens, pencils and other school supplies
Date & Time: August 15 from 11 to 3 p.m.
Location: Norris Square Park, 2100 N Howard St.
Free backpack giveaway, plus learn about Norris Square Community Alliance’s youth programs.
Date & Time: August 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: 4087 Lancaster Ave.
Join Plush Events Venue for their back-to-school backpack and school supplies giveaway.
Date & Time: August 31 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Location: 6006 W. Girard Ave. at St. Barnabas Community Resource Center.
This is a community family event, so your kiddos can play games or get their face painted while you get school supplies. Make sure to come in early because backpacks will be available while supplies last.
Date & Time: August 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Lighthouse Sport Complex Field, 101-199 E Erie Ave.
Care services provider Open Arms Home Care is holding its yearly Back to school block party. You can expect free haircuts, music, food, and games. Try to get there as early as possible because the first 400 children get free backpacks, with a limit of two per family.
Date & Time: August 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 6624 Haverford Ave 6624 Haverford Ave
Date & Time: August 20 from noon to 8 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther King High School at 6100 Stenton Ave.
Celebrate the new school year with a back-to-school festival full of music and free school supplies.
