With Duval County Public Schools set to begin the 2026-27 academic year on August 10, Jacksonville organizations are rallying to make sure local students show up ready. A wide range of churches, nonprofits, health providers, and businesses have lined up free backpack and school supply giveaways throughout late July and early August.
The giving season already got underway on July 11, when Boeing teamed up with Communities in Schools Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to distribute backpacks and host hands-on STEM activities for Duval County students.
Upcoming highlights include Ascension St. Vincent's Arlington offering free backpacks, supplies, and haircuts on July 25; Sulzbacher Village and VyStar Credit Union filling 500 backpacks for families on August 1; and the BOATT Back to School Drive Up, where organizers plan to hand out 1,300 backpacks from a Jacksonville warehouse, also on August 1. Florida Blue is hosting giveaways at two Jacksonville locations that same day, though those require an RSVP in advance.
Several events welcome the entire community regardless of school enrollment, while others ask that children be present to receive supplies. A number of organizations are pairing the giveaways with extras like free food, bounce houses, sports physicals, and health screenings.
The full schedule of locations, times, and registration details was reported by Jacksonville Today.
