{"id":980853,"date":"2026-08-04T21:14:23","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T21:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/980853\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T21:14:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T21:14:23","slug":"free-back-to-school-supplies-backpacks-health-screenings-and-more-in-philadelphia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/980853\/","title":{"rendered":"Free back-to-school supplies, backpacks, health screenings, and more in Philadelphia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia\u2019s free newsletter<\/a> to keep up with news on the city\u2019s public school system.<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia School District\u2019s first day of school is rapidly approaching. Students return Monday, Aug. 24, and teachers will be back for professional development between Aug. 17 and 21. <\/p>\n

This academic year, school communities will be battling the heat<\/a>, dealing with a transition year before some school closures<\/a>, and continuing to think about ways to keep young people safe <\/a>and engaged in their learning. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for free school supplies, backpacks, health screenings, and community block parties, here\u2019s where to go in Philly this summer.<\/p>\n

Know of other events that aren\u2019t on our list? Email us at philadelphia.tips@chalkbeat.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ongoing<\/p>\n

The School District of Philadelphia\u2019s <\/b>back-to-school bus tour<\/b><\/a> offers free backpacks, snacks, activities, school registration help, and more. All events are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. <\/p>\n

On Friday, Aug. 7, the bus will be at Penrose School, 2515 S. 78th St. <\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the bus will be at Marcus Foster Memorial Stadium, also known as Gratz Supersite, 1627 W. Hunting Park Ave.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the bus will be at Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave.<\/p>\n

We’re here to help.<\/p>\n

Every day, Chalkbeat Philadelphia reporters are answering your questions, following the money, and digging into what’s happening in the city’s public schools. Keep up with our free newsletter, delivered every Wednesday and Friday morning.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 8<\/p>\n

Episcopal Community Services and the St. Barnabas Community Resource Center\u2019s <\/b>Gear Up for School event<\/b><\/a> <\/b>with free school supplies and activities<\/p>\n

Where: 6006 W. Girard Ave<\/p>\n

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n

Entrepreneurs of the Future and Men of Courage Philadelphia\u2019s <\/b>back-to-school drive<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Where: 4821 Germantown Ave.<\/p>\n

When: Noon to 3 p.m. <\/p>\n

Wednesday, Aug. 12<\/p>\n

Congreso block party<\/b><\/a> <\/b>featuring a backpack giveaway and petting zoo<\/p>\n

Where: 2800 N. American St. <\/p>\n

When: Noon to 3 p.m. <\/p>\n

Friday, Aug. 14<\/p>\n

The Salvation Army Kroc Center\u2019s <\/b>Back-to-School Backpack Event<\/b><\/a> with free school supplies, carnival games, and a live DJ<\/p>\n

Where: 4200 Wissahickon Ave. <\/p>\n

When: 4 to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Aug. 15<\/p>\n

The Southeast Asian Market<\/b><\/a>\u2019s annual school supply giveaway<\/b><\/p>\n

Where: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. and South Broad Street<\/p>\n

When: 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

United Missionary Baptist Church\u2019s <\/b>\u201cBack 2 School\u201d giveaway<\/b><\/a> <\/b><\/p>\n

Where: Athletic Recreation Center, 1400 N. 26th St. <\/p>\n

When: 1 to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n

House of Faith Ministries PA\u2019s <\/b>back-to-school giveaway<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Where: 6624 Haverford Ave.<\/p>\n

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. <\/b><\/p>\n

House Of Glory Philadelphia\u2019s <\/b>annual community block party in Germantown<\/b><\/a> with free produce, school supplies, and community resources<\/p>\n

Where: 5245 Germantown Ave.<\/p>\n

When: Noon to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

New World Leaders\u2019 back-to-school event<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Where: 5700 Haverford Ave. <\/p>\n

When: 2 to 5 p.m. <\/p>\n

Bright Little Scholars\u2019 <\/b>Back-to-School Giveaway<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Where: 4500-02 Westminster Ave.<\/p>\n

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.<\/p>\n

It Takes A Village Foundation\u2019s Back-to-School Community Day<\/b><\/a> <\/b>with a backpack giveaway and health screenings for kids and adults<\/p>\n

Where: 126 Leverington Ave.<\/p>\n

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Aug. 16<\/p>\n

Maison Mane Hair Company\u2019s <\/b>school supply giveaway and block party<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Where: 1633 W. Oxford St. <\/p>\n

When: 3 to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n

Wednesday, Aug. 19<\/p>\n

ACHIEVEability\u2019s backpack drive <\/b><\/a>with 1,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies <\/p>\n

Where: 5901 Market St.<\/p>\n

When: 4 to 6 p.m. <\/p>\n

Friday, Aug. 21<\/p>\n

Cecil B. Moore Library\u2019s back-to-school bookbag drive<\/b><\/a> featuring family activities, snacks, music, and a school supply and backpack giveaway for the first 100 attendees<\/p>\n

Where: 2320 Cecil B. Moore Ave., at 23rd Street<\/p>\n

When: Noon<\/p>\n

Mansion Youth Coalition Inc.\u2019s <\/b>giveaway featuring North Philly Allstars Majorette Team<\/b><\/a> <\/b><\/p>\n

Where: James G. Blaine Elementary School, 3001 W. Berks St.<\/p>\n

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Aug. 23<\/p>\n

Back to School Cuts and Curls event<\/b><\/a> featuring free haircuts, light braiding, school supply giveaways, and more<\/p>\n

Where: Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Ave.<\/p>\n

When: Noon to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Sept. 5<\/p>\n

Elegance Xtreme and other organizations\u2019 <\/b>back-to-school supply giveaway<\/b><\/a> and community fun day<\/p>\n

Where: Carroll Park, <\/b>58th and 59th streets and Girard Avenue and Thompson Street<\/p>\n

When: Noon to 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where to donate school supplies<\/p>\n

The Young Chances Foundation in Grays Ferry is accepting donations<\/a> of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pen, crayons, glue, and other supplies from now until August 30th. <\/p>\n

Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia is accepting donations. Find a local drop-off point here. <\/a><\/p>\n

It Takes A Village Foundation is collecting supplies for a Classroom Support Box Program<\/a> to provide classroom materials and educational resources to teachers. Reach out to info@itavf.org<\/a> for more information, or call 215-512-6465. <\/p>\n

Carly Sitrin is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Contact Carly at csitrin@chalkbeat.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n