Soon, kids in the Bay Area will be heading back to the classroom for fall. To be ready, they’ll need backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils and a whole list of school supplies. For some, this is a fun family shopping trip. But for those wondering how to fit everything into the family budget, local school districts and organizations are holding backpack drives and resource fairs to help out.
Below are a few local back-to-school events happening toward mid-August. And one to thank teachers!) At the end of the list is a link where anyone can donate school supplies to kids in need.
Back to School Resource Fair
Submitted by
Supervisor Elisa Marquez
Afghan refugee youth and their families are invited to receive free backpacks, school supplies and more. Join agencies and organizations to learn more about resources available to the community.
Immigration attorney, Spojmie Nasiri, will also be giving a legal presentation.
Back to School Resource Fair
Saturday, August 10
1pm – 3pm
Masjid Abu Bakr Siddiq
29414 Mission Blvd., Hayward
Backpack Giveaway Helps
Students Get Ready for School
Submitted by
Hayward Unified School District
The Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) will host the 3rd Annual Backpack Giveaway Event, helping local students and families get ready for back-to-school. According to USA Today, parents were expected to spend, on average, $661 in back-to-school costs, including backpacks, clothing, and supplies in the 2023-2024 school year. These costs are expected to continue growing this school year as a result of inflation.
HUSD’s Backpack Giveaway event aims to lessen the burden of these costs on students and families by providing access to backpacks, school supplies and much more. The event will include free backpacks filled with school supplies, haircuts, food (All on a first-come first-served basis), a fun zone for students and families, music, resource fair, and a car show!
The Resource Fair will include a variety of locally based community organizations, including La Familia, East Bay Agency for Child, Side by Side Youth, Project Eden, Hayward Area Parks and Recreation, and Alameda County Child Support Services. This event is made possible thanks to generous donations from the Oscar Grant Foundation, Sri Sathya Sai Foundation, Fearless Paths, and Baypolar.
HUSD Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, August 10
9am – 1:30pm
Parent Resource Center Hub
24823 Soto Road, Hayward
Time for back-to-school shopping
Pacific Commons gives away backpacks full of school Supplies with $75 Purchases
Submitted by Molly Blaisdell
Pacific Commons, a shopping center located off the I-880 corridor in south Fremont, features a variety of back to school appropriate tenants, such as Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Lowe’s, Costco, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s, Nordstrom Rack, DSW, Old Navy, and T. J. Maxx.
To get students back in the school spirit, Pacific Commons is introducing a special back to school gift with purchase event on Sunday, August 11 from 1pm – 3pm in which shoppers who spend $75 or more can receive a backpack filled with school provisions, while supplies last. Additionally, the center will feature entertainment that includes balloon artists and face painting.
“Inspiration for back-to-school shopping comes in many forms, and the retail options abound at Pacific Commons,” comments Brandi Hardy, Director of Marketing for Pacific Commons. She continues, “Whether it’s a new wardrobe, all the gadgets that students might need to rock the fall term, or getting back in shape with a fresh, new beauty look, the center features all the amenities needed to greet the new school year.”
Back-to-School backpacks
Sunday, August 11
1pm – 3pm
Pacific Commons Shopping Center
43440 Boscell Road, Fremont
Students welcome their teachers – with a flower!
Submitted by
Fremont Education Foundation
We’re so excited for the 25th Welcome Teacher Day! Elementary students come with their parents, drive through to pick up a flower to give to their teacher on the 1st day of school. This event is organized by Dirk and Lisa Lorenz, presented by Washington Hospital Healthcare System, and sponsored by community partners including One Child, Raj Salwan, Rotary Club of Fremont, Supervisor David Haubert, and more.
(Donations will be accepted for the Fremont Education Foundation in cash, check, and other formats.)
Welcome Teacher Day
Tuesday, August 13
10am – 5pm
Washington Hospital West Parking Lot
2500 Mowry Avenue, Fremont
Free Back 2 School Giveaway
Submitted by Fish Bowl Tinting
Welcome to our free back 2 school giveaway event! Join us at Fish Bowl Tinting for a fun-filled day of giveaways, goodies, live music, and many more activities ! Get ready to kick off the school year in style with free school supplies, backpacks, and more! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to stock up on everything you need for a successful school year. Bring your friends and family along for a day of excitement and freebies. See you there!
Free Back 2 School Giveaway
Saturday, August 17
11am – 4pm
Fish Bowl Tinting
274 Hegenberger Road., Oakland
eventbrite.com
Donate online to help kids
Submitted by Building Futures
Kids make up 52% of our shelters. And right now, the Alameda Midway Shelter, the San Leandro Shelter, and our Domestic Violence Safe House are completely full. That means we have more kids than ever in need of your support for back to school clothes and supplies.
How can you help? We’ve set up an online “shopping list” to raise money for much-needed items to set up the children for success—you can add multiple “items” when you donate. They already have their backpacks, so new shoes and new clothing are at the top of the list! Gift cards are great and give mothers the ability to respond to the child’s most immediate needs.
