Every parent’s back-to-school checklist includes getting backpacks and supplies. And like so many things lately, these essential learning tools can be expensive. The good news is that there are many locations around the city for families in need to pick up a backpack or school supplies before the new academic year begins.
Check out this list of where parents can free backpacks in NYC for their little learners in time for the start of the new school year on Sept. 5. Supplies at many of these events are limited and require the child receiving the bookbag to be present. Some events also require pre-registration.
Where to get free backpacks: Manhattan
Why Not Care and Lower East Side Festival
WHERE: P.S. 142; 100 Attorney St.
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 25; 12-4 p.m.
WHAT: 1,000 bookbags will be given out at this fun family resource event. Other activities include games and free food. For ages 5-19.
Back-to-School Backpack and Supplies Giveaway
WHERE: J. Hood Wright Park; W. 174 St. and Ft. Washington Ave.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 28; 4 p.m.
WHAT: This giveaway event includes backpacks and supplies, hosted by NYS Sen. 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, Aug. 31; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHAT: Enjoy performances, information booths and giveaways.
First Step Ministry Back-to-School Giveaway
WHERE: 298 Marcus Garvey Blvd.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 30; 3-6 p.m.
WHAT: Enjoy a day of fun at this family event and get a new backpack for the new school year.
Back2School Giveaway
WHERE: 919 E. 107 St.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 2-6 p.m.
WHAT: Get some new school supplies including a bookbag at this community event that will also have ice cream and cotton candy. Register online.
Explore Schools Back-to-School Bash and Giveaway
WHERE: Atlantic Terminal Plaza, Atlantic Ave. at Ft. Greene Place
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHAT: The event will feature games, music, face painting and school-supply giveaways.
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and other partners Back-to-School Jamboree
WHERE: P.S. 152; 725 E. 23 St.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 12-4 p.m.
WHAT: Bring the kids for a day of 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, Aug. 26; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHAT: By appointment only. Get a backpack with pencils, pens and notebooks.
Backpack Giveaway at Brooklyn Public Library-Gerritsen Beach
WHERE: Gerritsen Beach Branch; 2808 Gerritsen Ave.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 28; 4-7 p.m.
WHAT: Backpack giveaway event.
EmblemHealth and NYS Sen. Zellnor Myrie’s Back-to-School Block Party
WHERE: Lincoln Road bet. Nostrand and New York Avenues
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
WHAT: The annual event features music, food, games, giveaways and more.
Crossroads Christian Church Back-to-School Supply Giveaway
WHERE: 6921 Fourth Ave.
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 3; 6-8 p.m.
WHAT: Items available include backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, glue sticks, crayons and safety scissors.
Where to get free backpacks: Bronx
Westchester Square and NYPD 45 Pct. Community Affairs Backpack Giveaway
WHERE: 2704 E. Tremont Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1; 12-3 p.m.
WHAT: Get a cool new backpack and enjoy food, games, bouncy house, rockwall and more fun. See the NYPD horses, too!
Mujumder Foundation 8th Annual School-Supply Giveaway
WHERE: 1888 Westchester Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1; 12 – 7 p.m. Giveaway at 5p.m.
WHAT: The annual event will feature a bouncy house, food and a giveaway.
Back-to-School Backpack and Supplies Giveaway
WHERE: West Tremont and University Avenue
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 27; 4 p.m.
WHAT: This giveaway event includes backpacks and supplies, hosted by NYS Sen. Robert Jackson.
Alegria and Fidelis Back-to-School Giveaway
WHERE: Alegria Health and Wellness Center; 3475 Third Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
WHAT: The event will feature free popcorn, free backpacks, free blood pressure screenings and information tables.
Where to get free backpacks: Queens
WHERE: OPT Parking Lot; 198-01 Linden Blvd.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 31; 12-4 p.m.
WHAT: Presented by NYC Council Member Nantasha Williams. Free school supplies, enjoy food, games and music.
Back-to-School Giveaway
WHERE: 55-19 69 St.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24; 1pm
WHAT: A backpack and school supply event for constituents of Assembly District 30.
Backpack Giveaway
WHERE: Queens Public Library at North Forest Park; 98-27 Metropolitan Ave.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 28; 12-1:30 p.m.
WHAT: Other giveaway items include folders, notebooks and pencils. Presented by NYC Council Member Lynn Schulman and Congress Member Grace Meng.
Where to get free backpacks: Staten Island
School Supplies and Backpack Giveaway
WHERE: Staten Island Seventh-day Adventist Church; 80 Union Ave.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
WHAT: Available backpacks will be filled with items for students. Register online. For kids ages 5 to 13.
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