Every parent Checklist for the start of school That includes getting backpacks and school supplies. And like so many things lately, these essential learning aids can be expensive. The good news is that there are many places throughout the city where families in need can pick up a backpack or school supplies before the new school year begins.
Check out this list of where NYC parents can get free backpacks for their little students in time for the start of the new school year on September 5th. Many of these events have limited supplies and require the child receiving the backpack to be present. Some events also require pre-registration.
Where to get free backpacks: Manhattan
Why Not Care and Lower East Side Festival
WHERE: PS 142; 100 Anwaltsstr.
WHEN: Sunday, August 25th; 12-4pm
WHAT: This fun family event will see 1,000 school bags distributed. Other activities include games and free food. For ages 5 to 19.
Raffle of backpacks and school supplies for the start of school
WHERE: J Hood Wright Park; W. 174 St. and Ft. Washington Ave.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 28, 4 p.m.
WHAT: This promotional event will feature backpacks and accessories, hosted by New York State Senator Robert Jackson.
Where to get free backpacks: Brooklyn
Chinese American Social Services Center Back-to-School Festival
WHERE: Seth Low Playground; Avenue P and W. 13 St.
WHEN: Saturday, August 31st; 11am–1pm
WHAT: Look forward to demonstrations, information stands and giveaways.
Back to School Raffle from First Step Ministry
WHERE: 298 Marcus Garvey Blvd.
WHEN: Friday, August 30th; 3-6pm
WHAT: Enjoy a day of fun at this family event and get a new backpack for the new school year.
Back2School gift
WHERE: 919 E. 107 St.
WHEN: Saturday, August 24th; 2-6pm
WHAT: Get new school supplies, including a school bag, at this community event that includes ice cream and cotton candy. Register online.
Back to School Party and Giveaway from Explore Schools
WHERE: Atlantic Terminal Plaza, Atlantic Ave. at Ft. Greene Place
WHEN: Saturday, August 24; 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
WHAT: The event includes games, music, face painting and the distribution of school supplies.
Representative Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and other partners at the Back-to-School Jamboree
WHERE: PS 152; 725 E. 23 St.
WHEN: Saturday, August 24th; 12-4pm
WHAT: Bring the kids for a day filled with games, face painting, food, music, school supplies and more. Registration required.
Backpack giveaway at Brooklyn Public Library-Sheepshead Bay
WHERE: Sheepshead Bay Branch; 2636 E. 14 St.
WHEN: Monday, August 26; 11am-1pm
WHAT: By appointment only. Bring a backpack with pencils, pens and notebooks.
Backpack giveaway at Brooklyn Public Library-Gerritsen Beach
WHERE: Gerritsen Beach Branch; 2808 Gerritsen Ave.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 28; 4-7pm
WHAT: Backpack giveaway.
Back to School Block Party hosted by EmblemHealth and NYS Senator Zellnor Myrie
WHERE: Lincoln Road between Nostrand and New York Avenue
WHEN: Saturday, August 24; 11am–6pm
WHAT: The annual event features music, food, games, giveaways and more.
Crossroads Christian Church School Supply Raffle
WHERE: 6921 Fourth Avenue.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 3rd; 6-8pm
WHAT: Items available include backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, glue sticks, crayons and safety scissors.
Where to get free backpacks: Bronx
Westchester Square and NYPD are giving away a 45% discount on a Community Affairs backpack
WHERE: 2704 E. Tremont Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, September 1st; 12-3pm
WHAT: Get a cool new backpack and enjoy food, games, bouncy castle, climbing wall and more fun. See the NYPD horses too!
8th Annual School Supplies Giveaway by Mujumder Foundation
WHERE: 1888 Westchester Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, September 1st; 12pm – 7pm. Raffle at 5pm.
WHAT: The annual event features a bouncy castle, food and a giveaway.
Raffle of backpacks and school supplies for the start of school
WHERE: West Tremont and University Avenue
WHEN: Tuesday, August 27, 4 p.m.
WHAT: This promotional event will feature backpacks and accessories, hosted by New York State Senator Robert Jackson.
Alegria and Fidelis – gift for the start of school
WHERE: Alegria Health and Wellness Center; 3475 Third Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, August 24; 11am–3pm
WHAT: The event will feature free popcorn, free backpacks, free blood pressure screenings, and information booths.
Promotional gifts for the start of school
WHERE: 1520 Morris Ave. (entrance at the corner of Morris and Teller Avenue)
WHEN: Sunday, September 1st; 2-4pm
WHAT: Presented by Bink International Charity, giveaways include backpacks, pencils, pens, paper, folders, crayons, markers and scissors.
Where to get free backpacks: Queens
Community fair for the start of school
WHERE: OPT parking lot; 198-01 Linden Blvd.
WHEN: Saturday, August 31st; 12pm-4pm
WHAT: Presented by NYC Council Member Nantasha Williams. Free school supplies, enjoy food, games and music.
Promotional gift for the start of school
WHERE: 55-19 69 pcs.
WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 1 p.m.
WHAT: An event with backpacks and school supplies for voters in the 30th Congressional District.
Backpack Giveaway
WHERE: Queens Public Library at North Forest Park; 98-27 Metropolitan Ave.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 28; 12-13:30
WHAT: Other giveaways include binders, notebooks and pencils. Presented by NYC Councilmember Lynn Schulman and Congresswoman Grace Meng.
Where to get free backpacks: Staten Island
Raffle of school supplies and backpacks
WHERE: Staten Island Seventh-day Adventist Church; 80 Union Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, September 1st; 11:30am–2:30pm
WHAT: Available backpacks will be filled with items for students. Register online. For children ages 5-13.