With the 2025–26 school year fast approaching, families across Indianapolis can find help preparing students through dozens of back-to-school giveaways. Here is a guide:
Saturday, July 19
Indy Hygiene Hub — Back to School Bash
Date/Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 9511 Angola Court
Details: Free backpacks, hygiene kits, period packs, haircuts, vaccines and vendor booths. Pre-registration recommended at indyhygienehub.org/events/back-to-school-bash.
Diversity Church — North Indy Back to School Bash
Date/Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025 (time TBA)
Location: 2415 E. 72nd St.
Details: Free backpacks with school supplies for families.
Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association — Back-to-School Giveaway
Date/Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 12-2 p.m.
Location: Martin University Parking Lot, 2186 N. Sherman Dr.
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies provided to students. The event also offers community engagement and resources.
New Beginnings Church — Backpack Giveaway and Community Day
Date/Time: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: New Beginnings Fellowship Church, 2125 N. German Church Road
Details: Free backpacks filled with school supplies (while supplies last). Meet Indianapolis Colts cornerback Julius “JuJu” Brents, who will hand out and autograph backpacks. Activities include 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, carnival games, bounce houses, gaming truck, dunk tank, live entertainment, food, free physicals and health screenings.
Sunday, July 20
Catch the Stars Foundation — Back to School Celebration
Date/Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025, 2-4 p.m.
Location: Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road
Details: 1,000 backpacks, haircuts, vendor booths, DJ. Pre-registration required at catchthestars.org; families may register up to eight children.
Lakeview Church — Back to School Bash
Date/Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: Lakeview Church, 47 Beachway Drive
Details: Backpacks for K–12 students, bounce houses, food, health screenings and community resource stations.
Lawrence Township — Back to School Celebration
Date/Time: Sunday, July 20, 2025, 12-2 p.m.
Location: Alexander Park, 4902 Charney Ave.
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies for students, community resource booths.
Friday, July 25
Hensley Legal Group — Backpacks 4 Good (Greenwood)
Date/Time: Friday, July 25, 2025, 12-2 p.m.
Location: 107 N. State Road 135
Details: Free backpacks and supplies for Indiana students. The event includes a visit from the Indiana Fever mascot and a raffle for Colts tickets. Pre-registration encouraged at hensleylegal.com/our-team/hensley-cares/backpacks-4-good.
Saturday, July 26
Westminster Neighborhood Services — Back to School Bash
Date/Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: 2325 E. New York St.
Details: Free backpacks, school uniforms, lunch and haircuts. First-come, first-served.
Hensley Legal Group — Backpacks 4 Good (Fishers)
Date/Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: 8350 Sunlight Drive
Details: Free backpacks and school supplies. Pre-registration encouraged at hensleylegal.com/our-team/hensley-cares/backpacks-4-good.
Sunday, July 27
Wireless Zone / TCC — School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
Date/Time: Sunday, July 27, 2025, 1-4 p.m.
Location: Select TCC/Verizon stores, including 4903 S. Emerson Ave. and 8860 S. Emerson Ave. Ste 300
Details: Free backpacks available to students on a first-come, first-served basis. One per child; the child must be present.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
