Families preparing for the new school year can find several free backpack and school-supply giveaways across Raleigh, Garner and Knightdale this weekend.

Most events take place Saturday, August 15, 2026, with additional activities including free haircuts, food, music, games, community resources and children’s entertainment. A separate backpack pickup is scheduled for Sunday evening in Raleigh.

Supplies are generally available in limited quantities and may be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Families should arrive early and confirm eligibility or registration requirements with each organizer.

Saturday, August 15

Sound Mind Ministry Community Event Day

Sound Mind Ministry will distribute book bags and school supplies during a free community event at the Garner Lions Club.

Families can also enjoy a bounce house, food, games and visits from local fire and police departments.

• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Location: Garner Lions Club
• Address: 305 Main Street, Garner
• Giveaway: Book bags and school supplies
• Additional activities: Bounce house, food, games and public-safety exhibits
• Registration: Visit SoundMindMinistry.org
• Contact: 984-269-9446

Knightdale Arts and Education Fest

The Town of Knightdale’s annual Arts and Education Festival, also known as K-Fest, connects families with local nonprofit, educational, wellness and cultural organizations.

The free festival includes backpacks, school supplies, children’s activities, inflatables, music, food trucks and free haircuts.

• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Location: Knightdale Station Park
• Address: 810 North First Avenue, Knightdale
• Giveaway: Backpacks and school supplies
• Additional activities: Inflatables, music, food trucks, children’s programs and free haircuts
• Admission: Free

Tru Royalty Steppaz and Raleigh Firebirds Back-to-School Drive

Tru Royalty Steppaz and the Raleigh Firebirds are partnering for a shoe and back-to-school drive at Chavis Heights Gym.

The event is designed to help local students begin the school year with needed footwear and educational supplies.

• Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Location: Chavis Heights Gym
• Address: 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Raleigh
• Event: Shoe and back-to-school drive

Contact the organizers for distribution requirements and information about available items.

Lamar Homes Sixth Annual Back-to-School Event

Lamar Homes Roofing and Construction presents its sixth annual back-to-school community event in Raleigh.

• Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Address: 1801 Proctor Road, Raleigh
• Event: Back-to-school giveaway
• Organizer: Lamar Homes Roofing and Construction

The promotional flyer does not specify the complete list of items being distributed. Families should contact the organizer before attending.

Carolina Cares Back-to-School Giveaway

Carolina Cares will host a back-to-school giveaway at Sherrill’s University.

Families can receive backpacks, school supplies and clothing. Pantry items—including produce, bread, bagels and snacks—are also expected to be available.

• Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Location: Sherrill’s University
• Address: 3601 Bastion Lane, Raleigh
• Giveaway: Backpacks, school supplies, clothing and food

The Shop RDU Back-to-School Backpack Bash

The Shop RDU’s second annual Back-to-School Backpack Bash will combine school-supply assistance with food, entertainment and community-building activities at Vision Church.

The event advertises backpack and school-supply giveaways, free haircuts, pizza, drinks, music, nail services and games. Families can also enter drawings for prizes that may include an Android tablet, sneakers, bicycles and gift cards.

• Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Location: Vision Church
• Address: 5808 Departure Drive, Raleigh
• Giveaway: Backpacks and school supplies
• Additional activities: Free haircuts, pizza, drinks, music, games and nail services
• Prize drawings: Tablet, sneakers, bicycles, gift cards and other items

Anomaly Society Foundation Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

The Anomaly Society Foundation, Ashes to Legacy Foundation and 919 Culture Podcast are partnering for a free backpack and school-supply giveaway at Raleigh North Community Center.

The afternoon event will also include food, drinks, music, games, activities and community resources.

• Time: Noon–3 p.m.
• Location: Raleigh North Community Center
• Address: 2501 Parkside Drive, Raleigh
• Giveaway: Free backpacks and school supplies for children
• Additional activities: Food, music, games and community resources

Devonté Graham Community Day

Professional basketball player Devonté Graham’s Community Day will bring school supplies, food and family activities to downtown Raleigh.

In addition to the back-to-school giveaway, families can explore health and educational resources, receive free haircuts and enjoy food trucks, live performances, face painting and children’s games.

• Time: Noon–4 p.m.
• Address: 201 South Blount Street, Raleigh
• Giveaway: Back-to-school supplies
• Additional activities: Food trucks, live DJ and performances, health resources, educational resources, free haircuts, face painting and games

919 MC/SC Annual Bookbag Giveaway

Local motorcycle and social clubs are partnering with Raleigh Parks and Recreation for the annual 919 MC/SC Bookbag Giveaway.

Bookbags will be distributed while supplies last. The event also includes complimentary light refreshments, nail art, music and face painting.

• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Location: Tarboro Road Community Center
• Address: 121 North Tarboro Street, Raleigh
• Giveaway: Bookbags while supplies last
• Additional activities: Nail art, music, face painting and light refreshments

Sunday, August 16

Charisma Kidz Backpack Giveaway

Charisma Kidz Enrichment Center will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies Sunday evening.

Children must be present to receive a backpack.

• Time: 5 p.m.
• Pickup location: 3741 Thistledown Drive, Raleigh
• Giveaway: Backpacks containing school supplies
• Requirement: The child must be present
• Donations: $CharismaKidz

Tips for Attending a School-Supply Giveaway

Demand can be high, and supplies may run out before an event’s scheduled ending time. Families should:

• Arrive early.
• Bring children when the flyer requires them to be present.
• Complete advance registration when requested.
• Bring proof of residency, school enrollment or identification if required.
• Confirm whether supplies are limited by household or child.
• Check the organizer’s page for weather or schedule changes.
• Bring reusable bags in case supplies are distributed separately.

Giveaway details, inventory and participation requirements can change. Contact the organizer before traveling, especially when registration information is not listed.

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Compiled by Bryan Tomlinson for DoRaleigh.com.

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