Back to School 2023: Here’s how to get free backpacks, supplies and donate to students in need
With just a few weeks of summer vacation left for students in South Florida, organizations are working to collect classroom supplies to distribute and planning back-to-school bashes. Students will start the school year on Aug. 10 in Palm Beach County and Aug. 21 in Broward County.
Shoppers can take advantage of the state’s back-to-school sales tax holiday to save on purchases of school supplies to benefit groups organizing giveaways. Through Aug. 6, there’s no sales tax on clothes, shoes, school supplies and personal computers.
While there’s still time to stay up late and sleep in, spend the day at the pool or beach, take a road trip or go to the movies, parents should take note of these upcoming back-to-school events.
Multiple locations
School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
Where: TCC stores in Boca Raton (1200 W Yamato Road Suite A6) and Sunrise (12528 W. Sunrise Blvd.) and Wireless Zone stores in Boca Raton (2521 N. Federal Highway), Pompano Beach (1201 S. Powerline Road), North Lauderdale (7204 W. Mcnab Road) and Davie (4779 S. University Drive)
When: 1 p.m. July 30
A backpack full of pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, a ruler and glue will be available first come, first served to each child who visits the stores’ locations in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Visit tccrocks.com/backpack-giveaway.
Broward County
Supply drives
Backpack Broward
Where: United Way of Broward County, Ansin Building, 1300 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; also online
When: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday until July 29
Drop off a a new backpack filled with notebooks, folders, highlighters, glue sticks, erasers, pens, pencils, scissors, crayons, rulers, Clorox and baby wipes, and tissues for children in need. Donate $65 to sponsor a child’s backpack filled with supplies and other items. Visit unitedwaybroward.org/events/backpack-broward-2023.
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center 2023 Back to School Supply Drive
Where: CDTC’s headquarters, 1401 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 4
The goal is to collect and fill 600 backpacks to help children with special health care needs to prepare for the school year. Supplies needed include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons, markers, folders and glue sticks for preschoolers through high school students. Visit childrensdiagnostic.com/back-to-school to view the Amazon Wishlist or make an online donation.
Back to School Drive
Where: Coral Springs City Hall Lobby, 9500 W. Sample Road
When: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday through Aug. 5
Donations of new markers, crayons, pencils. pens (blue, red and black), composition books, scissors, erasers, highlighters, folders, index cards, sticky notes, loose leaf paper, glue sticks, three-ring binders, color pencils, rulers and flash drives will be accepted. Visit coralsprings.gov.
North Fork Elementary Community Resource Closet
Where: online
When: Through Aug. 6
The city of Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Leadership Academy Class 12 is collaborating with the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale to raise funds and collect items to equip under-resourced children for the upcoming school year: boys and girls school uniforms, socks, undergarments, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene Items and shelf-stable food. Visit the Amazon Wishlist at rb.gy/4gr9m.
Take a BITE Out of Summer
Where: The BITE Eatery, 2715 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 9
Try samples from the food hall’s nine culinary concepts and get one free drink from The BITE Bar with live music during the event to benefit Children’s Harbor, the Broward Education Foundation and the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Bring school supplies or make a cash donation to fund supply purchases. Admission is free, but registration is required at eventbrite.com.
Broward Education Foundation School Supply Drive
Where: BrightStar Credit Union’s branches in Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Pembroke Pines, Margate and Pompano Beach; Broward Education Foundation School Supply Center, 2300 W. Copans Road, Bay #5, Pompano Beach; also online
When: Through Aug. 20
The annual drive is a community effort between the foundation, the public and local businesses to provide school supplies, including black composition books, folders, glue sticks, pens, pencils, crayons and pink erasers, among others, for students in need. Monetary donations can made in various amounts: $10 can supply 200 pencils, $35 can provide a student with a backpack filled with supplies, $100 can support a teacher with classroom tools and resources, and $250 can provide art supplies for an entire classroom. Visit browardedfoundation.org/drive.
The Salvation Army of Broward County Back to School Drive
Where: 1445 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
When: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Aug. 20
Donate new or gently used school supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, backpacks, calculators, or any other essential items that would be beneficial to students across different grade levels. Monetary contributions also are accepted to purchase bulk school supplies. To donate, send a check payable to the Salvation Army (Back to School Drive) to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 230, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33302-0230. Visit facebook.com/Browardsalvationarmy or email Claudia.pierre@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Supply giveaways
Children’s Services Council Back to School Extravaganza
Where: Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center, 7000 Miramar Parkway, Miramar
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 29
Children in grades K-12 will receive a backpack filled with school supplies and other items. The first 125 families can also get free immunizations, books, shoes and undergarments for the kids along with food distribution. Free. Register at eventbrite.com.
Community Resource Fair
Where: Lauderdale Lakes City Hall Complex parking lot, 4340 NW 36th St.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 29
The city of Lauderdale Lakes is offering free health screenings, care packages, backpacks, school supplies and immunizations for students in grades K-12. Other activities include games, face painting, food and music. Free. Visit lauderdalelakes.org.
City of Lauderhill’s Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Where and when: 9 a.m.-noon July 29 at John Mullin Park, 2000 NW 55th Ave., and 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 5 at St. George Park, 3501 NW Eighth St.
Both events will have free backpacks, school supplies and haircuts along with food trucks, a DJ, bounce house and face painting for Lauderhill residents only (proof of residency required). One backpack per student (who must be present) will be given out on a first-come, first served basis. Visit lauderhill-fl.gov/news-and-events/backpack-giveaway.
Second annual Back-to-School Beach Clean Up and Backpack Giveaway
Where: Dania Beach Pier, 300 N. Beach Road
When: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 3
Backpacks will be handed out to the first 350 participants. Trash pickers and buckets will be provided and community service hours will be available. Broward County Public Schools, VPX Sports, Lucky Fish, Quarterdeck and FACE (Family and Community Engagement) are collaborating for the cleanup this year. Admission is free along with snacks, music, face painting and a children’s book. Visit daniabeachfl.gov.
Back to School Block Party & Backpack Giveaway
Where: Oveta McKeithen Recreation Complex, 445 SW Second St., Deerfield Beach
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 5
The city of Deerfield Beach is partnering with the Broward Sheriff’s Office to give out backpacks and school supplies to Deerfield Beach residents only. There will be games, a DJ, entertainment and free food. Register at deerfield-beach.com.
Gideons Back to School Bash
Where: Margate Sports Complex, 1695 Banks Road, Margate
When: noon Aug. 5
Gideons Motorcycle Club & Hope Floats Movement will have free backpacks, school supplies and haircuts for children. There will be raffles, music and free entertainment. Visit margatefl.com.
End-of-Summer Celebration
Where: Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 5
Meet representatives from Sunrise schools who can answer questions about the school year. The first 1,000 Sunrise K-12 students will receive a free grade-appropriate book and school supplies. Students must be accompanied by a legal guardian with a driver’s license as proof of Sunrise residency. There also will be refreshments and children’s activities. Free. Visit sunrisefl.gov.
Back to School Backpack & Supplies Giveaway
Where: Wilton Manors Elementary School, 2401 NE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale
When: noon-5 p.m. Aug. 13
The Peanut Butter & Jelly Project, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing, and basic needs and assistance to low-income families and veterans, is giving away 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, haircuts and hot meals to children. All ages are welcome, but the child must be present. Bring the child’s supply list and a volunteer will help them pick the items. Free. Visit pbandjproject.org/back-to-school-backpack-supplies-giveaway.
Events
Parkland Night Out
Where: Parkland Recreational and Enrichment Center, 10559 Trails End, Parkland
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 31
Meet this year’s school resource officers and learn about programs and activities offered at the Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center. There will be emergency vehicle displays and demos, music and food. Free. Visit cityofparkland.org/nightout.
National Night Out
Where: Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
When: 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1
Hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Police and Parks and Recreation departments, families can get crime prevention tips and watch safety demonstrations. Other activities include a kids zone, arts and crafts, a backpack giveaway, and free food and beverages. Free. Visit ftlcity.info/nno2023.
Splash in the Pines
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: West Pines Soccer Park, 350 SW 196th Ave., Pembroke Pines
Take part in a day of water slides and games with some back-to-school giveaways mixed in. Food trucks and refreshments will be available for purchase. Free admission. Visit ppines.com/325/Special-Events.
Navigating Challenges – A Back-to-School Strategies & Resource Event
Where: The Center for Spiritual Living, 4849 N. Dixie Highway, Oakland Park
When: 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16
During the panel discussion organized by SunServe, experts, educators and experienced parents will share their strategies and tips for navigating the school year. Topics include new laws and mental health with a question-and-answer session and snacks. Free. Register at SunServe.org/School.
SunServe Youth’s Back-to-School Carnival
Where: Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
When: 4-8 p.m. Aug. 18
SunServe Youth’s event is open to all students offering a range of activities, food and amusement rides. Free backpacks and supplies also will be distributed. SunServe therapists and life coaches will be available. Free. Register at SunServe.org/BTS.
Palm Beach County
Supply drives
“One Can, Two Can. Who Can! You Can!” Back-to-School Food Drive
Where: Palm Beach County Food Bank (701 Boutwell Road, #A2, Lake Worth Beach); county library branches: Gardens, Glades Road, Greenacres, Hagen Ranch Road, Lantana Road, Main Library, West Boca Branch, West Boynton Branch and Royal Palm Beach; Royal Palm Brewing Company (543 N. State Road 7, Suite 103, Royal Palm Beach); and First Horizon bank locations in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton
When: Aug. 1-31
The Palm Beach County Food Bank is working to ensure students get a nutritious start to the school year by collecting beans, fish, chicken, beef, peanut butter, vegetables and fruit. All items should be shelf stable and not in glass packaging. Visit pbcfoodbank.org.
The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County
Where: online
Help the foundation equip students with the school supplies they need to be successful in the classroom. Using an Amazon Wishlist, order the exact items the schools require to be sent directly to Red Apple Supplies, where they will be stocked in inventory then packed with teacher’s online orders. Visit rb.gy/b1du1. Supporters and companies also can sponsor a backpack starting at $25. Visit rb.gy/fl5v9.
Unity of Delray Beach
Where: 101 NW 22nd St., Delray Beach
When: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays (drop off in baskets in the bookstore lobby at the church’s south entrance), or 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays (church office on the west side of the building) through Aug. 3.
The church is collecting backpacks and school supplies, including facial tissues, pencils, rulers, sticky notes, three-ring binders, spiral and composition notebook, pens (blue, black, red), colored pencils, glue sticks, pink erasers, washable felt markers, pencil cases, lined and plain paper, and crayons. Monetary donations are also accepted. Call 561-276-5796, or email unitychurch@unityschool.com. Visit unityofdelraybeach.org.
The Mall at Wellington Green
Where: 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
When: Through Aug. 6
The mall is collecting school supplies to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Stop by the Giving Tree on the lower level in Grand Court and select a tag. Shop for the supplies listed on the tag and return them to the Security Office on the upper level down the hallway by JCPenney on or before Aug. 6. For a list of supplies, visit shopwellingtongreen.com/events.
Elite DNA Behavioral Health offices
Where: Delray Beach (14000 S. Military Trail, Suite 208), Jupiter (4425 Military Trail, Suite 203) and Weston (2625 Executive Park Drive, Suite 5)
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday until July 31
Elite DNA is collecting donations of notebooks, college and wide-ruled paper, pocket folders, binders, pens, No. 2 and colored pencils, pink erasers, highlighters, pencil boxes, student scissors, glue sticks, wired headphones and sanitizing wipes, among other items. Cash donations and gift cards are also accepted for supplies to be purchased by Elite DNA staff. In Southeast Florida, the drive will benefit students through Broward Education Foundation and The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. Visit EliteDNA.com.
Hoffman’s Chocolates
Where: Greenacres (5190 Lake Worth Road), Boca Raton (5250 Town Center Circle, Suite 135), Palm Beach Gardens (10957 N. Military Trail), Delray Beach (914851 Lyons Road, #100) and Plantation (801 S. University Drive).
When: Through July 31
The Back-To-School Initiative is raising funds to give backpacks and school supplies to nonprofits, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters; ChildNet; Pace Center for Girls; and Children’s Diagnostic Treatment Center. Hoffman’s Chocolates customers can donate $5 toward the backpack drive to receive a coupon for a free ice cream sundae valid through Sept. 30. Visit facebook.com/hoffmanschocolate.
Events
Teacher Appreciation Shopping Experience
Where: Dress for Success Palm Beaches boutique, 2459 S. Congress Ave., Suite 204, Palm Springs and Belle Glade branch, 1089 S. Main St.
When: July 28-29; Aug. 2-4 in Palm Springs; July 28 and 31; Aug. 2 and 4 in Belle Glade
The nonprofit that offers free job services and work clothing to women in need is offering female teachers free back-to-school wear. A personal stylist will help teachers pick an outfit and accessories from their donation closet. To reserve an appointment, call 561-249-3898. Visit facebook.com/DressforSuccessPalmBeaches.
Back to School Bash
Where: Tanger Outlets center court, 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 5
In addition to tax-free back-to-school shopping, the free family event includes live music, photo ops, face painting, crafts and games, balloon artist and giveaways. Visit facebook.com/TangerOutletsPalmBeach.
Party in the Park
Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd.
When: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 4
Sponsored by the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation, and hosted in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Bounce Houses, families can bring the kids to enjoy costumed characters, DJ, face painting, food trucks, Touch-a-Truck with police and fire rescue, trackless train, vendors and a prize wheel to win free back-to-school supplies. Free. Visit wellingtonfl.gov/PartyinthePark.
Back to School Bash & National Night Out
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 4
Where: Village Courtyard, 226 Cypress Lane, Palm Springs
The Village of Palm Springs Library and Police Department are putting on the event with a DJ, games, bounce house, food, giveaways and vendors. Free. Visit facebook.com/villageofpalmsprings.
Road to Back to School
Where: Yesteryear Village, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 5
Road to Back to School, a teacher-focused event, lets visitors explore the collection of early, original and replicated buildings in the village and the U.B. Kinsey art student exhibit. Teachers can spin the wheel of prizes. Through Aug. 5, Yesteryear Village guests can bring school supply donations to receive a $3 off regular admission ticket per person. Donations must be a minimum of $5. For the Aug. 5 event, admission is free for teachers with a valid school ID, $10 for adults, $7 for age 60 and up, $7 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Visit yesteryearvillage.com.
Back to School Teen Vision Board Workshop
When: 2-5 p.m. Aug. 3
Where: Community Studios in The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
Teens can craft their social, academic and personal goals for the school year on a vision board led by a professional life coach. All supplies are included, but participants can bring magazines or other items to include. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Cost is $15. Registration is required at eventbrite.com.
Kids Club Back to School Bash
When: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 5
Where: Grand Court at the Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
Kids can take part in activities, including canvas painting at the Art Garden, airbrush tattoos, balloon twisters, music and entertainment. Snacks will be available. Parents and kids can meet representatives from after-school sports and activities, such as Volleyball Academy, Leader Learning Center and Kids Art. Free. Visit shopwellingtongreen.com/events.
