Families in the Jacksonville area have multiple opportunities to pick up free backpacks and school supplies before the new school year kicks off, with events running from late July through early August 2026.
The first wave of giveaways hits on Saturday, July 25, including a Military Back-to-School Bash hosted at eight First Coast YMCA locations, honoring active-duty service members, veterans, and military families with free supply-filled backpacks and food distribution from Feeding Northeast Florida. That same morning, Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park will host a Back to School Bash offering backpacks, supplies, clothing, shoes, and food while supplies last. On Sunday, July 26, Round Room LLC — a Verizon authorized retailer — will hold its 14th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway starting at 1 p.m. across more than a dozen store locations in the region, from Green Cove Springs to St. Augustine.
August 1 brings a busy slate of events. Open Arms Community Church on Dunn Avenue aims to serve more than 600 students with backpacks, grade-appropriate supplies, and connections to community resources. Florida Blue Centers will host "Back to School: Mission Ready" at both the River City Marketplace and St. Johns Town Center locations, with RSVPs encouraged. Resonate Church on Delmar Street will add free haircuts, a bounce house, and food to its giveaway, and the Clay County Storms and Meet Me In The Streets Inc. will host a family-friendly event in Orange Park.
Later in the month, on August 8, New Life International on Atlantic Boulevard and Orange Park Mall will each hold their own back-to-school events featuring backpacks, supplies, and activities for kids of all ages. Most events require children to be present, and several ask that a parent or guardian accompany them. Supplies are available while they last at all locations.
The full list, including addresses, times, and registration links where applicable, was compiled and reported by Action News Jax.
