With the 2026-2027 school year approaching, community organizations across the Tampa Bay area are hosting a wave of giveaway events to help families stock up on backpacks, school supplies and other essentials before the first day of class.
Citrus County
The FUMC Homosassa Back to School Bash runs Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, offering one filled backpack per elementary school child, along with face painting and hot dogs while supplies last.
Langley Health Services holds its fourth annual Back to School Bash the same day at the Florida National Guard Armory, providing free school supplies, food, activities and school physicals on a first-come, first-served basis.
American Legion Post 237 in Beverly Hills hosts a backpack and school supply giveaway Saturday, Aug. 1, with games and a bounce house for kids.
The Depot District’s Back to School Bash follows Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with activities and resources for all ages.
Hernando County
Terlep Chiropractic offers free school physicals, backpacks filled with supplies, food and family activities Thursday, July 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. The Hippo Events Back to School Consignment Sale runs July 31 through Aug. 2 at the Hernando County Fairgrounds. Hernando Park hosts a backpack giveaway and games Saturday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Hillsborough County
Florida Blue’s “Mission Ready” event takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Tampa center. The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds hosts its Back 2 School Bash the same morning with more than 100 vendors. At Citrus Park Town Center Mall, the first 1,000 children receive a free backpack starting at 10 a.m. Westshore Plaza gives backpacks to the first 500 kids on Saturday, Aug. 8. The Bullard Family Foundation’s event that day at Raymond James Stadium includes free backpacks, medical, dental and eye exams.
Pasco County
B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel hosts a giveaway Saturday, Aug. 1. Kia of Wesley Chapel gives backpacks to the first 250 children Saturday, Aug. 8. The Gentlemen’s Quarters offers school supplies and complimentary haircuts for kids K-12 Sunday, Aug. 9.
Pinellas County
The Ross Norton Recreation Center giveaway runs Friday, July 31. The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ School Supply Drive, a joint effort by the Hillsborough and Pinellas Education Foundations, takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, at Al Lang Stadium. St. Petersburg hosts its fifth annual Bounce Back to School giveaway at Deuces Park and the Pinellas Pal event at the Lealman Exchange Community Center on Aug. 1 and 2, respectively.
Polk County
Camp Margaritaville Resort Auburndale gives backpacks to the first 200 children Friday, July 31. Winter Haven’s Christ Community Church event Saturday, Aug. 1, includes free haircuts. Bartow’s Citrus Air Conditioners giveaway includes a 250-backpack distribution. Lake Hamilton Police Department and a Florida Blue event in Lakeland round out the county’s offerings through Aug. 8.
Manatee County
Acapulco Tropical y Mas gives free backpacks to children under 12 Friday, July 31. Suncoast Credit Union hosts games and supply giveaways Saturday, Aug. 1. The Bradenton Marauders give backpacks to the first 500 children ages 12 and under at their Aug. 8 game.
Sarasota County
The Venice Community Center hosts a youth activity fair Saturday, Aug. 1. Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County’s Back to School Bash follows at North Port Christian School. The Sarasota Police Department’s “Badges & Backpacks” event at the Sarasota City YMCA on Aug. 8 includes bicycle helmet fittings and free haircuts. The Mall at University Town Center hosts a giveaway with a scavenger hunt the same day.
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