From school uniforms to school supply lists, the start of a new school year can bring steep, and sometimes unexpected, expenses for families.
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, local organizations and elected officials across New York City are helping families offset the cost of these necessities through giveaways and community celebrations.
Here’s a list of back-to-school giveaways happening across the five boroughs this month.
Queens
ICNA Relief USA Programs: Back2School Mega Event
The Islamic Circle of North America Relief is inviting families to a free community event to celebrate the back to school season with the distribution of more than 500 student backpacks and local resources.
Where: Travers Park, 76-09 34th Ave., Jackson Heights
When: Saturday, Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be participation from community representatives and activities for all ages including free food and ice cream, face painting and 20 free cell phones raffled off to attendees.
The Office of Assembly Member Steven Raga: Back-To-School School Supply Giveaway
Assembly Member Steven Raga is hosting a back-to-school giveaway alongside various community partners, including the Hispanic Federation, the Korean American Family Service Center, the Queens Public Library and more.
The event is open to Assembly District 30 residents and students who attend a school within the district. Families must bring a valid ID with an Assembly District 30 address, recent report card or document confirming enrollment at an in-district school. There will be a limit of one backpack and one set of school supplies per student, while items last.
Where: Big Six Towers Community Room, 59-55 47th Ave., Woodside
When: Saturday, Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Office of Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas: Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway
State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas is partnering with state Assembly Member Catalina Cruz, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and City Council Member Tiffany Caban to provide 1,500 backpacks to students in need across Assembly District 34. There will be community resources and local organizations at the event.
Where: 34th Avenue between 93rd and 94th Avenues, Jackson Heights
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 3 to 5 p.m.
King Manor Museum: Back-To-School Giveaway
The King Manor Museum is partnering with community organizations to provide free backpacks and school supplies for students ahead of the start of the school year.
Where: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
When: Saturday, Aug. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The school supplies will be distributed while supplies last and registration is recommended. Register here.
The Office of Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams: Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway & Block Party
Families are invited to join City Council Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams, state Sen. Leroy Comrie and state Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman for a block party and backpack giveaway to help prepare students for the upcoming school year. School supplies and backpacks will be distributed while supplies last. Learn more about the event.
Where: Office of Deputy Speaker Nantasha Williams, 172-12 Linden Blvd., Jamaica
When: Saturday, Aug. 15 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Back-to-School Hosted by First Baptist Church East Elmhurst
First Baptist Church in East Elmhurst will host its annual back-to-school giveaway event. Expect free school supplies, fun activities and resources from community organizations.
Where: 100-10 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst
When: Saturday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.
Brooklyn
Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School: Back To School Block Party
Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School welcomes families, friends, and students to get into the school spirit with a back to school block party. This free event will feature school supply giveaways, food, games and prizes, with a live DJ and music from the bilingual radio station La Exitosa 98.7 FM. RSVP for the event here.
Where: 82 Lewis Ave.
When: Friday, Aug. 7 from 12 to 4 p.m.
NYSoM: Back 2 School Bonanza 2026
New York State of Mind (NYSoM) is a community organization aimed at improving communities through impact. As a part of that mission, NYSoM is hosting a Back 2 School Bonanza to support students by distributing sets of school supplies.
Where: Bushwick Playground, Putnam Avenue between Knickerbocker and Irving Avenues
When: Saturday, August 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The school supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be special appearances and photo opportunities with Superman, Supergirl and Captain America, who will take part in themed activities. Learn more about the event.
SD-19 Free Family Fun Day & Back to School Giveaway
New York City School District 19 is hosting a free family fun day and giveaway for students going back to school this fall. The giveaway is for children ages 4 to 14 years old and the students must be present in order to receive the supplies.
Where: Canarsie Park, Seaview and Remsen Avenues
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.
East New York Urban Youth Corp Inc.: Back To School Uniform Giveaway
The East New York Urban Youth Corporation is partnering with M&T Bank to offer free school uniforms for families in need for their second annual back to school uniform giveaway. The uniforms are for elementary and middle school students ages 5 to 13 years old and each family will receive two uniforms per household while supplies last.
Where: Parking lot of M&T Bank, 2664 Atlantic Ave.
When: Saturday, Aug. 22 from 12 to 4 p.m.
There will be free food, drinks, music and entertainment for families alongside these essential back to school items. Registration for this event is required, and the child’s name, school and uniform sizes must be submitted. Families can register until Friday, Aug. 14 by emailing Ms. Dixon at 718-647-3270, Dr. Colimon at 917-684-9034, or emailing the child’s information to gcolimon@enyuychdfc.com.
Manhattan
New York Restoration Project: Backpack Giveaway
The New York Restoration Project is hosting a free backpack and school supply giveaway at their gardens throughout the city to help support students and families in need going into the new school year. The supplies will be distributed while it lasts and children must be present to receive the items. Learn more about the other garden giveaways.
Where: Riley-Levin Children’s Garden at Sherman Creek Park, 3703 10th Ave.
When: Saturday, Aug. 22 from 12 to 2 p.m.
District 75: Back To School Bash
Join District 75 in starting the school year off right with a Back To School Bash at the Jacob Javits Center on Sept. 26. There will be school supply giveaways, games, activities, and prizes raffled off to attendees.
Where: Jacob Javits Center, 429 11th Ave.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Bronx
Maleicks Bee Kids Block Party
On Saturday, Aug. 15, the Maleicks Bee Foundation is transforming 162nd Street into a block party for families and youth to receive essential school supplies and community resources ahead of the upcoming school year.
Where: 432 E 162nd St.
When: Saturday, Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This annual neighborhood event will offer a free hot lunch service, interactive educational games, music, and youth-led activity stations.
Highpoint Bible Church: Back To School Fair and Grocery Giveaway
Highpoint Bible Church is serving the community by offering a free event to help families prepare for the new school year. There will be a school supply giveaway for students and free food and produce for families.
Where: Highpoint Bible Church, 3051 E. Tremont Ave.
When: Friday, Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Grab your family and friends and come prepared for fun with prizes for students, a bounce house, face painting and games. Children must be present to receive school supplies and it will be distributed while it lasts. Registration is required.
Staten Island
EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care: Back To School Giveaway
EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is hosting a back to school event for families with a backpack and pencil case giveaway for students. Children must accompany a parent or guardian to receive supplies while it lasts. Registration is not required.
Where: Neighborhood Care Clove Road, 1050 Clove Rd.
When: Thursday, Aug. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The New York Foundling: Back To School Community Celebration
New York Foundling is inviting families to a free back-to-school celebration where they will be giving away backpacks and essential school supplies to students. There will also be community resources, family-friendly activities, prize raffles and workshops.
Where: Staten Island YMCA Gerald Carter Center, 230 Broad St.
When: Thursday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
