Local Free Backpack & School Supply Events: Here’s What To Know

It's back-to-school time. Some students are excited, some, well, like I was, not so much. But it's a part of life. At the end of summer vacation season, many communities hold back-to-school supplies/backpack giveaways. There are a couple of events coming up locally before the 2025 school season begins.

Free Backpack/School Supplies Events

On August 18, 2025, the Broome County Sheriff's Office Community Engagement Team and the Blue Brothers and Blue Sisters Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club announced that they have purchased school supplies for the 2^nd Annual Back to School Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway.

According to the announcement, funds were raised through community donations by Broome County Residents. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 26^th, from 5 to  6:30 p.m. at the Big Dipper 2, located at 1167 Conklin Road in Conklin.

Also on August 18th, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared and CARES Advocates For Families Inc. announced a free backpack and school supplies event for the over 1,360 students in the City of Binghamton for this school year.

As another school year approaches, the City of Binghamton is again working with CARES to provide hundreds of children with the basic supplies they need to learn and thrive in the classroom. The program helps relieve some of the financial burden that back-to-school shopping puts on families and is another investment in our young people. - City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham

Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be available to City of Binghamton students in grades Pre-K through 12, as follows:

Thursday, August 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Saratoga Apartments Community Center at 60 Saratoga Avenue
• Carlisle Hills Apartments Community Center at 150 Moeller Street
• Walnut Street Park at 121 Walnut Street

Friday, August 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park at 1 Truesdell Street

Saturday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Recreation Park at Beethoven & Seminary Streets

Backpacks will be available for pickup at each site on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be present to receive a backpack. For more information, visit the Cares Advocates for Families website.