Summer is officially coming to a close and nothing signals the end of this season like the beginning of a new school year.
Public schools in New York City resume classes on September 10 and if you’re a parent or guardian wondering where you can get new backpacks or supplies for your kids, this guide is for you.
Below is a list of upcoming back-to-school events, organized by borough, where you can get free backpacks, clothes, and more, while supplies last.
Manhattan
New York Restoration Project: Back to School Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
Location: 421 E. 117th St., New York, New York (East Harlem)
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last. Children must be present at the event to receive the backpack and supplies.
District 75: Back to School Giveaway
Date: Sunday, September 6
Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Jacob Javits Center 429 11th Ave New York, NY 10001
Details: Free school supplies, lunch, arts and crafts, DJs and more.
NYSoM Back to School Wonderland
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Target East Harlem Community Garden
Details: School supplies and free backpacks will be available while supplies last. There will also be Alice in Wonderland characters facilitating kid-friendly activities.
Passport to Possibilities: Backpack giveaway
Date: Thursday, August 27
Time: 12 – 4 p.m.
Location: 237 East 104th St
Details: Free backpacks, activities, raffles and more. No registration required, but children must be present to receive supplies.
Bronx
Poe Park Back-to-School Drive
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
Location: Poe Park — Grand Concourse between E. 192nd St. & E. Kingsbridge Rd
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last.
P.S. 6 Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: 1000 E. Tremont Ave.
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies.
Boost Mobile Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Location: 2893 3rd Ave., Bronx, NY 10455
Details: Free backpack — one per student, while supplies last. Parent/legal guardian required.
New York Restoration Project
Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: 3634 Eastchester Rd. The Bronx, New York (Eastchester)
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last, children must be present to receive supplies.
Brooklyn
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Date: Tuesday, August 25
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: 2800 Nostrand Ave
Details: Free school supplies while supplies last.
Council Member Crystal Hudson’s Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Date: Friday, August 28
Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
Location: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Details: Families can pick up free backpacks and school supplies, and connect with organizations providing services to children and caregivers.
Family Health Center: Back to School Giveaway
Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: 11 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther Playground, 2nd Ave & 55th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Details: Family Health Centers will be providing back to school supplies to families in Sunset Park, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Back to School Festival
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 12 – 4 p.m.
Location: 1561 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Details: Family-friendly event where there will be activities, entertainment, and giveaways. This event is free but you must RSVP here.
Queens
Pomonok Houses Backpack Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
Location: Jewel Ave between Kissena Blvd and Parsons Blvd in Flushing
Details: Backpack giveaway while supplies last.
Hammel Houses Backpack Giveaway
Date: Monday, August 31
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 81st
Details: Free backpack giveaway while supplies last.
Queens Public Library Backpack Giveaway
Date: Saturday, August 29
Time: 3:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Location: 41-17 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355
Details: Families are invited to receive a free backpack to help students prepare for the new school year while supplies last.
NeON Backpack Giveaway
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Thomas White Jr. Foundation Office, 162-04 Tuskegee Airmen Way, Jamaica, NY
Details: Free backpacks and essential school supplies, while supplies last.
Staten Island
121 Precinct Backpack Giveaway
Date: Thursday, August 26
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: 970 Richmond Avenue, in front of precinct
Details: Back to school supplies giveaway, while supplies last. Children must be present to receive supplies.
