Check out the Recorder’s list of where to find free school supplies, giveaways and more.
As the new school year approaches, many families are looking for ways to save on school supplies. Community organizations, churches, businesses and nonprofits are once again hosting free back-to-school giveaways to help students start the year prepared.
Many events offer backpacks filled with school supplies, while others include free haircuts, health screenings, food and family activities. Some giveaways require registration or have eligibility requirements, so families should check event details before attending.
Use this guide to find back-to-school supply giveaways happening across the community and check back often as new events and updates are added throughout the season.
July 11
Back-to-School Community Resource Day
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
3838 North Rural Street
Health and Hospital Corporation’s Covering Kids and Families Program will host the 26th annual school supply giveaway alongside the IFD Fire Safety Festival at the Marion County Public Health Department parking lot. Each child in attendance will receive a clear backpack with school supplies such as pens, pencils and paper. In addition to the school supplies, students can receive free haircuts, health screenings, birth certificates and free car seats.
hhcorop.org/covering-kids-and-families/
Back to School Fest
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pike High School, 6801 Zionsville Road
OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA’s annual event will provide 1,000 free backpacks filled with supplies to students on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or guardian must be present with the students to pick up a backpack while supplies last. The community celebration will also feature bounce houses, community vendors, food, games, prizes and a football clinic.
indymca.org/events/back-to-school-fest-oif/
July 12
2026 Backpack Giveaway
1-3 p.m.
4107 E. Washington Street
Located at the Shepherd Community Center, the Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council (MLAC) will host their annual backpack giveaway where attendees can participate in family-friendly activities, learn about community resources and pick up free backpacks while supplies last.
Register at https://forms.office.com/g/CEMia9LKwB
July 24
Backpacks 4 Good
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
107 N State Road 135, Greenwood
Hensley Legal Group is bringing back this drive-through backpack giveaway for its sixth year, where students can receive one backpack filled with supplies such as a wide ruled notebook, 2 pocket folders, pencils, a pencil pouch, crayons, a glue stick, five-inch scissors and a water bottle. Preregistration is recommended but not required. Families near the Fishers area can pick up a backpack from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 8350 Sunlight Drive in Fishers.
hensleylegal.com/our-team/hensley-cares/backpacks-4-good/
July 25
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway and Block Party
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
777 Indiana Avenue
The Indianapolis Urban League Free health screenings for youth are available in the Health and Education Zones. Youth can also receive free haircuts and a free book from the mobile library. Blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings are available for parents.
The Kids Zone will have face painting, a bounce house, photos with mascots and an obstacle course. The Block Party features local music artists, DJs and Cupid.
Volunteer registration begins on July 13.
indplsul.org/annual-back-to-school-backpack-giveaway-and-block-party/
Back-to-School Community Giveaway
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fletcher Place Community Center will host a free parking lot event with school supplies, clothing, shoes and household items available for free for anyone in the community. The center is accepting gently used school supplies in “good, usable” condition to help create student supply bags.
fletcherplacecc.org
Thrive Together: Family Back-to-School Bash
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
9501 E. 36th Place
VOICES and the Indiana Immunization Coalition (IIC) are partnering for a back-to-school giveaway with free school supplies, immunizations provided by IIC, community resources, family activities and fun. To donate, volunteer or become a vendor, email djefferson@voicescorp.org.
July 26
Back to School Celebration
2-4 p.m.
3967 N. Illinois St.
The Catch the Stars Foundation will host its 21st annual Back to School Celebration at Tarkington Park. The first 1,000 registered K-12 students will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies. The event will also have free haircuts, bounce houses, a DJ, Walmart gift card giveaways, prizes, snacks, games and family-friendly activities. Registration is now open.
July 28
Back to School Resource Fair
4:30-7:30 p.m.
2121 W. Michigan St.
The Indianapolis Public Library, in partnership with the Hawthorne Community Center, will host the free resource fair at the Haughville Branch Library. The fair will include a backpack giveaway, food, games and free haircuts for kids will supplies last.
Times, dates and activities are subject to change. Check back for updates.
