JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Several organizations and entities in the Jacksonville area are helping students get ready for the coming school year with backpack giveaways.
Action News Jax has compiled a list of the upcoming giveaways and the information you need to know before you go.
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Know of a backpack giveaway that we missed? Email the information to web@actionnewsjax.com and we’ll add it to our list.
Open Arms Community Church’s 5th Annual Community Impact & Student Success Initiative
WHEN: Saturday, August 1, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Open Arms Community Church, 2763 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218
WHAT: The church hopes to impact more than 600 students and their families by providing backpacks, grade-appropriate school supplies, and direct connections to educational support, workforce and career services, health and wellness resources, mentoring opportunities, and other community programs that help families thrive beyond the first day of school.
Students must be present and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive a backpack and school supplies.
Florida Blue Centers Hosting “Back to School: Mission Ready” Events
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHERE: 13249 City Square Drive, Jacksonville (River City Marketplace) and 4855 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville (St. Johns Town Center)
WHAT: Free backpacks and school supply giveaways, limited to three backpacks per household, while supplies last. Parent/Guardian must be present with child(ren) to receive backpack. Fun cosmic activities for the kids and healthy refreshments and snacks will be available. Attendees are asked to RSVP ahead of time. Click here to RSVP for the River City Marketplace location. Click here to RSVP for the St. Johns Town Center location.
Resonate Church Back to School Blessings Backpack Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: 1385 Delmar Street, Jacksonville
WHAT: Child must be present to receive a backpack. Free haircuts for boys and girls. Bounce house, snow cones, hot dogs, popcorn, lemonade, face painting, and photo opportunities will also be available.
Clay County Storms & Meet Me In The Streets Inc. Back to School Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHERE: 3510 Moody Avenue, Orange Park
WHAT: Child must be present to receive their items. Games and prizes for kids and fun activities for everyone. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Jacksonville Community Backpack Giveaway & Resource Event
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Anchor Academy, 555 Wonderwood Drive, Atlantic Beach
WHAT: Families attending will have access to:
- Free backpacks for students while supplies last
- Student physicals and school readiness support
- Community resource information
- State agency representatives, like Rep. Kiyan Michael
- Fire department participation
- Community police engagement
Ascension St. Vincent’s ER Arlington Back to School event
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
WHERE: 9820 Hutchinson Park Drive, Jacksonville
WHAT: The theme of the event is “Backpacks for Students” and free backpacks will be given away (children must be present). There will also be touch-a-truck stations with JSO and JFRD, games to play, and a BBQ food truck.
New Life International Presents Back 2 School Community Day
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: 6429 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville
WHAT: Free backpacks, school supplies, hair cuts, quick braids, face painting and more. Games, inflatables, resource tables, food vendors, and activities for all ages will also be on site.
Back to School Giveaway from Reginald Gaffney Sr. and Jr. and TBI celebrates moms
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
WHERE: Total Beauty Institute, 5308 N Pearl Street
WHAT: Students can not only expect to receive FREE backpacks, and school supplies, but TBI is also providing FREE haircuts, FREE hairstyles, FREE face painting and FREE food is available. In recognition of the importance of a mother’s role in our youth’s lives, TBI is honoring and celebrating moms with free pampering services, including FREE facials, FREE lashes installation and FREE brow shaping at the Back to School Giveaway! There will be fun and enjoyment for the entire family with a special appearance by Jacksonville Jaguar Anton Harrison, inflatables for the kids, music and community vendors.
Super Squad: The Ultimate Back-to-School Hero Mission
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHERE: Orange Park Mall, 1910 Wells Road, Orange Park
WHAT: Kids can suit up and join the Super Squad for a series of superhero-themed mission stations, earning stamps on their mission card as they complete challenges such as the Kindness Mission Station, Super Reader Challenge, and Hero Homework Challenge. The event also features Dillard’s First Day Fits Fashion Show in Center Court and a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway in JCPenney Court, hosted in partnership with Doing What We Dream, offering free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last.* This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off the school year with fun, learning, fashion, and community spirit.
*Backpacks and school supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
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