Community organizations across Southern California are hosting back-to-school resource fairs and backpack giveaways throughout August. Below is a list of events organized by county.
Readers who know of additional resources can email the Community team for consideration.
Los Angeles
7th Annual Kobe Day Back to School Backpack Giveaway
The 7th Annual Kobe Day Back to School Backpack Giveaway will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at Barack Obama Charter School in Los Angeles. Attendees can receive backpacks and school supplies, along with manicures, horseback riding, basketball drills and face painting.
Registration is available online.
Revive Restore Renew Back to School Event
Pasadena City Hall will host the Revive Restore Renew Back to School backpack giveaway from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. The event will connect families with resources, giveaways and activities to celebrate fresh starts for school.
Registration is available online.
7th Annual IBTU Back 2 School
Families can pick up free backpacks, school supplies, diapers, food, music and community resources at the Venice Beach Boardwalk during the 7th Annual IBTU Back 2 School event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026.
Last year, organizers served 2,997 families. This year’s event will expand to include free diapers, health and dental screenings, youth performers, skate activation, games, raffles and giveaways.
Registration is available online.
Jade Marlin Foundation School Supplies and Backpack Giveaway
The Jade Marlin Foundation will distribute school supplies and backpacks from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at 900 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena. Children must be present to receive a backpack, and free face painting will be available.
Registration is available online.
Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties)
Family Support Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway
The Riverside County Department of Child Support Services, known as RivCoDCSS, will host a Family Support Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 9, 2026, at 2081 Iowa Ave. in Riverside. Free backpacks with school supplies will be available for children ages 3 to 17.
Free haircuts will also be offered on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Families are encouraged to register in advance.
Registration is available online.
Orange County
OC Veterans and Family Back-to-School Event
Cottonwood Church at 4505 Katella Ave. in Los Alamitos will host the OC Veterans and Family Back-to-School Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. The event will feature food, music, games, activities and a free backpack giveaway for children ages 4 to 18.
Children must be present to receive a backpack, and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration is available online.
Additional backpack and school supply giveaways in Orange County will be posted as they are announced.
Readers who know of additional resources can email the Community team for consideration.