Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and more: A roundup of back-to-school resources

It’s hard to believe, but we’re just days away from the start of a new school year.  

In keeping with our mission to create a more financially sound community, we wanted to share this list of some local events that are giving away free school supplies and other resources to help students get ready to return to class. Most of these events have free food and fun activities, too.  

With any back-to-school money you might save, consider setting it aside in a savings account. CWC encourages everyone in our community to begin to build – or contribute to - an emergency fund for anything unexpected that may come up during the school year.   

Not yet a client? Learn about how CWC can help you begin to build assets here, increasing your financial capability through our free financial education, counseling and access to credit programs.  

On behalf of the entire CWC team, we hope your family has a successful back-to-school season!

NOTE: Common Wealth Charlotte is not affiliated with the production of these events. This list was compiled by asking for local nonprofit referrals and by searching for local events happening in our area.  

Aug. 13 

Sanctuary of Life Outreach Center hosts a Back to School Bash from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1071 Finley Road, Rock Hill, S.C. Includes free school supplies, books and haircuts for children, as well as water inflatables, food, community vehicles and a young entrepreneurs showcase.  

The Body – A Church for Anybody hosts a Back to School Bash from 2 to 6 p.m. at 2115 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, S.C. Includes free gifts for early arrivals, as well as popcorn, snow cones, snacks, games and a bouncy house.   

The Natural Lab will host a free workout party from 9 to 11 a.m. at 933 Louise Avenue, Charlotte, N.C. Children will be able to practice healthy habits, and some school supplies will be given away.  

A Title 1 Back to School Bash will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marie G Davis IB School, 3351 Griffith Street, Charlotte, N.C. Includes COVID testing and vaccinations.  

Aug. 14 

Back to School Health and Wellness Fair hosted by New Life Baptist Church from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1281 Biscayne Drive, Concord, NC includes free backpacks full of school supplies, haircuts, health screenings, food boxes, police and fire safety, activities and more.

Aug. 20 

Urban League of Central Carolinas will host a First Day Ready event with free backpacks and other school supplies, as well as free health screenings and immunizations for school-age children, free vision screenings, haircuts, COVID vaccines and more. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Mount at Charlotte, 1520 Alleghany Street, Charlotte, N.C. 

United Nations Church hosts a Back 2 School Bash with food, games, music, prizes, book bags, school supplies, free haircuts and more. From 3 to 5 p.m. at 5038 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, N.C. Several businesses are teaming up for a Back 2 School book bag and supplies giveaway at 2201 Caronia Street, Charlotte, N.C. The event will also include a youth fashion showcase.  

Aug. 27 

Sae Productions will host a Back 2 School Block Party from 2 to 7 p.m. at Queen City STEM School, 8701 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, N.C. Event includes free school supplies, musical performances, bounce house, raffles, games and prizes, as well as retail vendors and community resources. Tickets needed, available here.  

Black Queenz City’s inaugural Back to School Bash is 1 to 5 p.m. at 5431 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, N.C. Event includes free swag bags with school items, free haircuts and hair braiding, a bounce house and more.  

Aug. 28 

True Way Church of God in Christ will hold a Back 2 School Community Event from 1 to 3 p.m. at 2931 James Road, Charlotte, N.C. Event includes a free school supplies giveaway for both students and teachers, as well as food trucks, games and more family fun.  

Just Do It Movement, a non-profit public benefit corporation, will be offering free haircuts and a meal for students and families experiencing hardships from noon to 4 p.m. at 5108-5 Reagan Drive, Charlotte, N.C. RSVP by calling 704-604-9287.  

PAST EVENTS (this story was first published on Aug. 3)

Aug 5 

Several McDonald’s restaurants will host Back to School bashes beginning Aug. 5, which include face painting, free school supplies for first 100 children (preschool to age 12) and prizes. Check here for a list of participating locations. Other dates are Aug. 8 and Aug. 15.  

The town of Huntersville’s Week of Fun commences with food trucks, games and free school supplies. From 6 – 9 p.m. at Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville, N.C.  

Keith Clinic Chiropractic and Star Med are sponsoring two Back to School Grab and Go events. Drive through to pick up a free backpack filled with school supplies. Aug. 5 event is 5 p.m. at 402 E. Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte, N.C. Also: An Aug. 13 event is 10 a.m. at 5344 Central Avenue, Charlotte, N.C.  

Aug. 6 

Greater Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ will give away school supplies during its Back to School Bash at 10 a.m. at 709 McArthur Avenue, Charlotte, N.C. Event also includes a bounce house and game truck.  

Restoration City Church will hold its Back to School Bash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 119 N. Main Street, Kannapolis, N.C. Event includes free backpacks, school supplies and haircuts, in addition to bounce houses, free food, ice cream and a DJ.   

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office will host its second annual Stars & Cars school supply giveaway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Statesville Road Baptist Church, 4901 Statesville Road, Charlotte, N.C. The event also includes music, video game trucks, food vendors and horse rides.  

Creative Mode Media Group will host a Gospel Hip Hop Youth Event from 6-8:30 p.m. at New Emmanuel Church, 3546 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C. Back to School Event includes free school supplies, free food, games, music and spoken word.  

City of God Ministries hosts a Back to School Bash at 11 a.m. at 9280 Davidson Highway, Concord, N.C. Includes free school supplies for teachers and students, as well as a bounce house, fire truck, face painting and more.  

This content provided in collaboration with our partner, Threaded Marketing Group. Thank you TMG for organizing this content and creating the graphic!