School districts are preparing to welcome students back to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year and many have released supply lists of the items students will need in September.
From pencil cases to folders, local organizations are coming together to relieve the financial stress around back-to-school preparation for parents.
Many school districts will be starting the 2026-27 academic year in the second week of September because Labor Day falls on Sept. 7 in 2026, which means there is a little extra time to get the shopping done this year.
In addition to stores like Thrifty Shopper and Broome Creative ReUse, where you may find items on your list at a discount, here are six local backpack giveaways happening this summer.
The Broome County District Attorney’s office has partnered with local law enforcement and community partners to host a back-to-school giveaway of backpacks, helmets and dental hygiene products. All events are open to the public and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Broome County backpack and helmet giveaway
Aug. 4 locations:
Aug. 6: Backpack Giveaway at Little Italy Endicott Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m.
Aug. 18, 27: Binghamton Community Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Come out to enjoy an evening with live music, free ice cream and helmets. Learn about local programs and have a chance to turn on the police siren with an up-close experience.
Address: 282 Chenango St., Binghamton
Golden Arches Pack Giveback Program
Select McDonald locations will host the Golden Arches Pack Giveback Program helping students prepare for another school year. Students must be present to receive a backpack. The event is free to the public and supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit mcdsnybackpacks.com to see other participating locations throughout New York and Pennsylvania.
When: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 5.
Address:165 South Broad St, Norwich.
New Beginning Apostolic Church back-to-school giveaway
Supplies and backpacks will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade and accompanied by their guardian.
When: noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 8.
Address: 1288 Vestal Ave., Binghamton
CARES annual bookbag giveaway
CARES has teamed up with the Binghamton City School District to host its annual backpack giveaway ahead of the 2027-27 school year. The drive will provide backpacks and school supplies across three days for Binghamton students in kindergarten through 12th grade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 20-22.
Aug. 20 location:
Cheri Lindsey Park, 1 Truesdell St., Binghamton
Aug. 21 locations:
Saratoga Community Center, 60 Saratoga Ave., Binghamton
Carlisle Community Center, 150 Moeller St., Binghamton
Webster St. Park, 95 Jackson St., Binghamton
Aug. 22 location:
Recreation Park, Beethoven Street and Seminary Avenue, Binghamton.
West Family YMCA back-to-school giveaway
School supplies will be given to families on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: 4-8 p.m. Aug. 21.
Address: 740 Main St., Johnson City
Blue Sisters National giveaway
Members from the Blue Sisters National, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and UHS will host a backpack giveaway for students in elementary up to high school. Each bag comes packed with preselected school supplies.
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17.
Address: 1167 Conklin Road, Conklin.
City Church back-to-school bash
Children in grades 12 and under are invited to City Church for a free, end of the summer celebration and backpack giveaway. Come out to enjoy a bunch of kid-friendly activities like bounce houses, face painting, sweet treats, live music and games. School supplies and backpacks will be given away until 2:30 p.m. while supplies last.
When: 1-3 p.m. Aug. 29.
Address: 285 Main St., Binghamton.
Two Rivers Church Back 2 School Block Party
Guardians and children are invited to join Two Rivers Church for a block party to close the end of summer vacation. Creative Pastor Bella Ellitto plans to give out 419 backpacks, 100 haircuts, and 250 CHOW meals to community members, twice the amount as in 2025.
Bring the family out to enjoy free food, games, live music, backpacks and haircuts. Registration is required to reserve a spot.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sept. 6.
Address: 1 Chrisfield Ave., Johnson City.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Need school supplies? Here’s where to get them for free
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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By Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
