Free backpacks and school supplies are available through various community events, corporate giveaways, and nonprofit programs across the United States. These initiatives aim to support families by reducing the financial burden of back-to-school expenses. Events typically occur in late July and early August, with distributions often structured as first-come, first-served opportunities. Programs vary in scope, from local community fairs to nationwide retailer campaigns, and may include additional resources such as health screenings, meals, or haircuts. Eligibility requirements, such as child presence or geographic restrictions, differ by event, and availability is often limited to while supplies last.
Community and Municipal Backpack Giveaways
Local governments and community organizations frequently host back-to-school events that distribute free backpacks and school supplies. These events are often open to all families within a specific region and may require an RSVP. For example, in Sacramento, California, Mayor McCarty and Vice Mayor Talamantes are hosting an Annual Backpack Giveaway on August 4, 2025, at Northgate Park in Natomas. This free event will provide backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts, activities, and food. Although RSVPs are encouraged and currently full, an RSVP does not guarantee a backpack. The event is open to all students and families.
Another Sacramento event is scheduled for August 9, 2025, when Team Kaplan will host a free backpack giveaway at the North Natomas Regional Park Farmers Market. Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also on August 9, a drive-thru giveaway will be held at the Mack Road Valley Hi Community Center, courtesy of Kaiser Permanente. Families are asked to stay in their vehicles, and children do not need to be present to receive supplies. T.Y. The Barber will simultaneously host a Back To School Fair at the same location, offering free backpacks, school supplies, food, personal hygiene items, and haircuts from 9-11 a.m. Destiny Church Rocklin is also hosting a free backpack giveaway on August 9, 2025.
In Orange County, California, a special event organized by County Supervisor Doug Chaffee, District 4, in partnership with ICNA Relief and the Centralia School District, will provide free backpacks and school supplies at Centralia Elementary School. This drive-thru event is open to families within the Centralia School District.
In Colorado, Denver-area families can access multiple giveaway opportunities on August 9, 2025. The City of Thornton will distribute backpacks with school supplies to K-12 students at 12000 E 47th Ave., Denver, starting at 1 p.m. The Struggle of Love Foundation will host its annual Peace Jam and Supply Giveaway, providing backpacks, school supplies, food, entertainment, and local vendors. The Denver Police Department and Kroenke Sports Charities will offer free backpacks with school supplies at six locations, including Colfax Elementary School, Skyland Park, McMeen Elementary, Lighthouse Church, Lincoln Tech, and Sonny Lawson Park. These distributions are first-come, first-served while supplies last. Denver Public Schools families can register for an event at Abraham Lincoln High School, which will provide free backpacks, school supplies, shoes, groceries, lunch, and treats. Additionally, Manual High School will host a distribution on August 13, 2025.
The district in Thornton, Colorado, is hosting a community fair with free backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and other essential items. The event will also offer on-site enrollment help, complimentary food, and a kids zone with activities. This fair is scheduled for Saturday, August 9, from 9-11 a.m. at Community Connections, 9471 Dorothy Blvd., Thornton.
Corporate and Retailer Backpack Promotions
Corporate giveaways often involve partnerships with retailers or direct distribution by brands. Verizon Wireless Zone stores (Verizon authorized retailers) host an annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway, also known as the Verizon Free Backpack Giveaway. Based on past events, the next giveaway is predicted to occur on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. local time at participating locations across the United States. The event typically distributes 150,000 backpacks on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Each child is eligible for one backpack, and the child must be present to receive it. This initiative aims to reduce back-to-school expenses, which average $875 per student according to a National Retail Federation survey.
Other retailers offer low-cost backpacks as an alternative. Walmart and Walgreens are noted for offering backpacks at prices as low as $6. Staples may provide free school supply offers, and consumers can use coupons and rebate apps to further reduce costs.
Nonprofit and Food Bank Backpack Programs
Nonprofit organizations and food banks operate backpack programs to provide free groceries for weekends and school breaks. The Feeding America network hosts over 10,000 Backpack Programs across the United States. These programs distribute backpacks filled with healthy, easy-to-prepare food, such as breakfast items, meals, bread, milk, juice, fresh or canned fruits and vegetables, and snacks. Most programs provide backpacks at least once a month, typically on Fridays or before school breaks, and may pause during summer to host summer meal programs instead.
To find a local Backpack Program, families can ask their school district or local food bank or enter their zip code on the Feeding America website. Food banks partner with schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and community centers to distribute backpacks to children. Even if a food bank is located far away, it may work with schools and youth programs closer to a family’s home.
Event-Specific Rules and Considerations
Each giveaway event has specific rules that participants must follow. For example, the Verizon Backpack Giveaway limits one backpack per child and requires the child to be present. Community events in Sacramento and Denver also emphasize first-come, first-served distribution and may have RSVP requirements that do not guarantee supplies. Drive-thru events, such as the Kaiser Permanente giveaway, require families to remain in their vehicles.
Families should note that many events have limited supplies and may run out early. It is advisable to arrive early and confirm event details with the organizing entity. Some events, like the one hosted by T.Y. The Barber, offer additional services such as haircuts and hygiene items, which may have separate distribution times.
Conclusion
Free backpack and school supply programs are available through a combination of community events, corporate giveaways, and nonprofit initiatives. These resources help families manage back-to-school costs and often include additional support like meals, health screenings, and activities. Key opportunities include municipal giveaways in Sacramento and Denver, the annual Verizon Wireless Zone promotion, and Feeding America’s Backpack Programs. Participation typically requires attending events in person, with distribution based on availability. Families are encouraged to verify event details, arrive early, and explore multiple sources to maximize access to free resources.