As summer winds down, communities across Philadelphia are helping families get ready for the new school year with free supplies, enrollment assistance and other back-to-school resources.
Parents can find local events giving away supplies, including backpacks, binders, pencils and pens. Many also offer enrollment assistance and other resources for parents and guardians.
For those looking to give back, many events are also accepting donations of school supplies or money. Volunteer opportunities, such as packing and distributing bookbags or other forms of assistance, are also being hosted.
Here are some places around Philadelphia where families can find back-to-school resources this month.
WHO: West Philadelphia nonprofit ACHIEVEability will distribute 2,000 or more backpacks to local students, in partnership with URBN. Each backpack will be filled with essential school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, folders, and more, helping ease the back-to-school financial burden for families while ensuring students begin the year with the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 5901 Market Street
WHO: The Kroc Center will offer, while supplies last, free backpacks, books, snacks, earbuds, and other school supplies on a first-come-first-serve basis. Registration is recommended but does not guarantee free supplies. The event will feature games, a live DJ, a raffle, food and drinks, and the opportunity to meet representatives from the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, along with several professional athletes.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: 4200 Wissahickon Ave.
WHO: The School District of Philadelphia’s back-to-school bus tour offers free backpacks, snacks, activities, school registration help and more at its final stop at Roosevelt Mall.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave.
WHO: Maison Mane Hair Co. is hosting a free back-to-school drive that will include a school supply giveaway, as well as other fun family activities including face painting, a bounce house, and smoke ice and drinks.
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 16, 3 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 1633 W. Oxford St.
WHO: AAGNG Inc. will host its annual Marrae’s Back-to-School Community Drive, in memory of beloved Philadelphia matriarch Marae Dargan, to provide students with the critical resources they need to start the new school year.
DONATIONS: All back-to-school supply donations will be accepted via pre-scheduled drop-offs and on-site location only. No monetary donations will be accepted. Backpacks and school supplies will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Venue 5Twenty, 425 W Tabor Road
WHO: It Takes a Village Foundation is hosting a Back-to-School Community Day to help students, teachers, and families get ready for the year. Working alongside community partners, ITAV Foundation’s event will distribute school supplies and provide haircuts and braiding services, as well as connect families to organizations that support educational and community well-being. The Classroom Support Box Program aims to provide educators with essential classroom materials and educational resources.
WHEN: Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: 126 Leverington Ave.
WHO: United Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its annual back-to-school drive. Those wishing to receive backpacks and supplies and enjoy the event’s food and games must register. Activities will include free food, outdoor play, face painting and a live DJ.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: 1400 North 26th Street
WHO: The Southeast Asian Market will hold its annual back-to-school drive, giving away bookbags and other supplies while supplies last. Registration will be free on-site. The event will also include art activities, including block printing, portraits, and lau stupa making, and live music.
WHEN: Saturday, August 15, noon to 4 p.m.
WHERE: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue and S. Broad Street
DONATIONS: The Navy Yard will be collecting school supplies to support two local elementary schools — F. Amedee Bregy Elementary School and D. Newlin Fell School.
WHEN: Now through Aug. 20, at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Various locations. Visit navyyard.org for a complete list of locations.
WHO: Germantown’s House of Glory is hosting its 6th annual block party that includes a school supplies giveaway. Children must be present to receive free school supplies. The event will provide access to a range of other services for community members, such as a fresh produce giveaway, a food pantry, and health and wellness screenings from the Penn Medicine Mobile Mammo Bus. Fun activities will include live music and entertainment.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 3 p.m.
WHERE: 5245 Germantown Ave.
DONATIONS: Philadelphia Union will host a back-to-school supplies drive during the club's Aug. 19 match at Subaru Park. Fans can drop off new school supplies before the match at the U-Serve Tent on Subaru Plaza. Donations collected will help CityTeam Chester equip students and families across the Chester community as they prepare for the upcoming school year. People interested in volunteering at the event can do so by helping with backpack packing and distribution on Friday, Aug. 28, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 19
WHERE: Subaru Park, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester
MORE: Quinta Brunson launches fund to support Philly students' field trips
