As the school year quickly approaches, local organizations are stepping up to help families with back-to-school costs through free backpack and school supplies giveaways.
This month, there are five local events offering free backpacks, school supplies, refreshments, and other essentials to help students across the city. City public school students return to classrooms Aug. 25.
“Back-to-school time shouldn’t be stressful for our children or their parents,” said Katrina Pratt-Roebuck, founder of the resource hub Uplifme, who is promoting the giveaways. “We’re building a future where every child walks into school feeling confident and prepared.”
Upcoming giveaways
On Friday, Aug. 15 (noon to 3 p.m.), Partners for Success Outreach will host its 10th annual event, offering local children water ice and pretzels, while also supplying essential school supplies and resources. The event will take place at Mt. Family Calvary Worship Center, 1438 S. 51st Street.
The following day, Saturday, Aug. 16, (noon to 5 p.m.), Peer2You and Intercultural Family Services will host its annual block party on Chestnut Street, between 42nd and 43rd streets. The event will offer free bookbags, school supplies, and giveaways, and also feature a bounce house, dunk tank, on-site barber (limited styles), water ice, BBQ, games, and more. The event is being organized by more than a dozen local groups, including Cradles to Crayons, Youth Capital Academy, and Forget Me Knot, among others.
Also on Saturday, Aug. 16, (noon to 4 p.m.), Super Moms of Philadelphia will host its book bag giveaway event at the New Church Down the Way Ministries, located at 4234 Ogden Street. According to organizers, “With a strong focus on dignity and joy, the Super Moms Group ensures that children not only leave with supplies, but also smiles and encouragement.”
The Olney Community Collaborative will host a Back-to-School Supply Giveaway on Thursday, Aug. 21 (noon to 3 p.m.) in the Lowell Elementary parking lot at 5th Street and Grange Avenue, which will feature games, a bounce house, face painting, music, refreshments, and more.
And finally, the New Emmanuel Christian Center will host its back-to-school drive on Saturday, Aug. 20, (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at 3921 Powelton Ave. Hosted by Dr. William A. Brownlee Sr., the event will distribute bookbags and school supplies to local families. Supplies are limited, so neighbors are encouraged to arrive early.
Philly bus tour
In addition to the local events and giveaways, the School District of Philadelphia is once again hosting its back-to-school bus tour, which began in late July and runs through Aug. 15.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to come to one of the various events across Philadelphia to ask questions about the upcoming academic term. There will also be giveaways and a “giant block party-style” atmosphere, said Adam Northam, the district’s deputy chief of internal communications, during the bus tour kick-off event last month.
“The whole purpose of the bus tour is to take all of the information that students and families need to prepare to get back to school out into the communities and meet them where they are,” he said.
Families can enroll their children through the registration process and sign up for the online parent portal at the bus tour stops. Each event will feature free games, water ice or ice cream, food trucks, a DJ and other activities. Book bags filled with notebooks, rulers, pencils, folders, erasers and other supplies will be handed out.
Events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remaining dates and locations include:
- Wednesday, Aug. 6: George Washington High School football field, 10175 Bustleton Ave.
- Saturday, Aug. 9: Citizen Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
- Tuesday, Aug. 12: Marcus Foster Memorial Stadium (Gratz Supersite), 1627 W. Hunting Park Ave.
- Friday, Aug. 15: Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave.
For more district back-to-school information, go to philasd.org/ringthebell.
