As families across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties prepare for the 2025 school year, many are starting their shopping earlier than usual–out of necessity. 

National surveys show more than two-thirds of families have already begun their shopping and preparations for back-to-school season.

According to the National Retail Federation, families with K-12 students are expected to spend an average of $858 this year on essentials like clothes, shoes, and electronics

More than 30% of parents surveyed by Bankrate said they cannot afford to buy school supplies this year amid inflation and tariffs.

However, local nonprofits, city governments and churches are stepping up to help families make ends meet. 

Dozens of free back-to-school events are taking place across the region this month, offering everything from backpacks and notebooks to haircuts and health screenings. 

Here’s a roundup of upcoming events where families can find support — no matter their budget.

Huntington Park

  • The city of Huntington Park is offering backpacks/school supplies, pantry boxes, health screenings and haircuts on Aug. 23 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Salt Lake Park located at 3401 E. Florence Ave. in Huntington Park.

Lincoln Heights

The free block party includes backpack giveaways, food distribution, games, live music, free haircuts and a classic car show. 

Over 30 community partners will offer health screening and educational resources on Aug. 9, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Broadway, between Workman and Hancock streets in Los Angeles. 

Long Beach

The back-to-school event also includes free swimming for children between the ages of 5 and 17. 

It is set to take place on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the California Aquatic Therapy and Wellness Center at 6801 Long Beach Blvd. in Long Beach.

The event also features free haircuts for kids, ice cream, story time with the Long Beach Public Library and access to early childhood and special education resources.

It is set to take place on Aug. 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Historic Bembridge House on 953 North Park Circle in Long Beach.

MacArthur Park

  • LAUSD Board Vice President, Dr. Rocio Rivas, is partnering with local nonprofit Raices con Vozes to give away school supplies and haircuts. 

The resource fair will also host local street vendors that have been impacted by immigration raids and offer know your rights services for immigrants or tenants.

It is set to take place on Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Union Ave Elementary on 150 S. Burlington Ave.

Monrovia

  • The Darden Leadership & Career Academy has partnered again with Simply Divine Beauty Supply & Academy for their 5th annual back-to-school giveaway on Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 301 W. Huntington Drive in Monrovia.

Rialto

  • Never Stop Grinding Impact is hosting its 6th Annual Back to School Backpack Drive & Bash, providing free backpacks and school supplies for K–12 students.

The event will also include free food for the first 150 attendees, giveaways from Amazon, music, vendors and health resources on Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rialto Middle School located at 1262 W. Rialto Ave. in Rialto.

Riverside

The free event will offer backpacks filled with school supplies and complimentary haircuts.  

They will also have access to local assistance programs, including employment, housing, healthcare, mental health, vision and dental resources.

It is set to take place on Aug. 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at RivCoDCSS Riverside Branch at 2081 Iowa Ave. in Riverside.

Upland

The free event also includes lunch, games, free kids’ haircuts, access to local resources and a photo booth.

It is set to take place on Aug. 9, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pacific Community Center at 814 Alpine St. in Upland.

Whittier

  • Whittier Wellness Community will hold their Back to School Resource Fair that will include free visions exams for youth and produce giveaways on Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 7643 S. Painter Ave. in Whittier.