School starts for students across Whatcom and Skagit counties in just a couple of weeks. Here’s where families can get free school supplies, backpacks, immunizations and even haircuts around the region. 

Aug. 18: Nooksack Valley School District Wellness and Resource Fair

3–7 p.m., 404 W Columbia St., Nooksack 

School and community resource organizations will have booths at Nooksack Valley Middle School, including the health department, Nooksack Valley Food Bank, Opportunity Council, Whatcom Library System, Skagit Legal Aid and more. Students will also be able to receive immunizations and hearing exams. 

Aug. 21: Lynden School District School Supply Distribution Day 

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 516 Main St., Lynden

The district will host an information fair and provide basic packets of supplies to students who may need assistance. Organizations with a booth include Skagit Legal Aid, Unity Care NW’s Dental Clinic, Project Hope, Opportunity Council and more. 

Aug. 21: Blaine Borderite Community Block Party

4–8 p.m., 1135 Boblett St., Blaine 

Blaine School District will host an event at Borderite Stadium with live music and food. There will also be free haircuts, sports exhibitions and club info, community resources and the opportunity to meet the school principals. 

Aug. 22: Mount Baker School District Resource Fair

4:30–7 p.m., 4936 Deming Road, Deming

The school district will offer school and community resources, sports physicals, vaccinations and snacks. 

Aug. 23: Ferndale District-Wide Back-to-School Event

10 a.m. to noon, 5820 Golden Eagle Drive, Ferndale 

At this event in the Ferndale High School commons, students can get free school supplies, giveaways from community partners and talk to staff. Several community organizations will also have booths, including Ferndale Food Bank and Ferndale Community Services.

Aug. 23: Bellingham Back-to-School Family Block Party

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2020 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham

The school district will host a back-to-school resource fair at Bellingham High School. Hoagland Pharmacy will host an on-site vaccine clinic where students can get required vaccinations. There will also be first-come, first-served sports physicals and haircuts. Families can also sign up for Operation School Bell, a program of the Assistance League of Bellingham that provides new school clothes for eligible families. 

Sept. 18-20: Blue Skies for Children Back2School Boost

Varying times, 4173 Meridian St., Bellingham

Distribution of new coats and shoes for children facing financial barriers at Christ The King Church from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18; 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Sept. 19; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 20. Appointment bookings will open on Aug. 25. Income verification required.

Aug. 16: Skagit Valley College Back to School Blessing

9 a.m. to noon, 2405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

In the 20th annual event at Tollefson Plaza, all local elementary, middle and high school students can receive free backpacks, clothing, haircuts and lunch.

Aug. 16: Anacortes Ready to Learn Fair

9 a.m. to noon, 1600 20th St., Anacortes

Held at Anacortes High School, students can get free books, clothing school supplies, haircuts, immunizations and more at this event.

Aug. 17: Back to School Blessing

1–3 p.m., 31441 W Main St., Lyman

Lyman Church is hosting a back-to-school event with free backpacks, school supplies and food for local students.

Aug. 20: Back to School Event at Evergreen Beauty College

Noon to 4 p.m., 509 S 1st St., Mount Vernon

K-12 students can receive free haircuts at Evergreen Beauty College’s back-to-school event.

Aug. 21: Sedro-Woolley Reading & Resources Event

5:30–7 p.m., 905 McGarigle Road, Sedro-Woolley

The event at Cascade Middle School offers back-to-school supplies, including free backpacks provided by Inspire Church. Other community supports will also be available. 

Aug. 23: Burlington-Edison Back to School Fair

10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Maiben Park, 1011 Greenleaf Ave., Burlington

Event at Maiben Park will include free health services, school supplies and more.

Aug. 28: Concrete Back-to-School Event

4:30-6 p.m., 7830-7838 S Superior Ave., Concrete

Students can get a free hot dog and meet their teachers at an event at Concrete Elementary and High School. The Elementary PTO, Concrete Booster Club, Concrete Youth Sports Association, the Concrete Resource Coalition and more will have booths at the event.

Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.