Akron-area organizations are gearing up for back-to-school events where students and their families can get items ranging from free backpacks to school supplies, meals and new shoes.
The 6th annual shoe giveaway at North High School for school-age children will have more than 1,000 pairs of shoes available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you can’t find all the supplies your child needs at these events, Ohio’s tax-free holiday exemptions, which includes clothing under $75, school supplies and school instructional materials, will run from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9.
Signal Akron is helping sponsor the 2nd annual Better Together Book Bag Giveaway on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the LeBron James Family Foundation’s House Three Thirty, 532 W. Market St. The event, sponsored by Chase Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties and Educational Empowerment Group will run from noon to 6 p.m.
We’ll provide book bags filled with essential school supplies. Attendees can connect with community service providers on-site who will offer resources, educational information, family support services, and tools to help students and families thrive throughout the school year. Patrons can also head across the street to I Promise HealthQuarters where students can get sports physicals, dental checks and vision checks for the school year.
Know about a back-to-school event that we should add to the list? Email tips@signalakron.org.
Check out the list below for a round-up of Akron back-to-school giveaway events
A Queen’s Touch LLC | Aug. 1 | Noon to 4 p.m.
1557 Vernon Odom Blvd., Suite 103
The 3rd annual That Bag School Supplies Giveaway will provide school supplies to over 100 students. Backpacks are filled with writing utensils, craft supplies and paper. Backpacks are first come, first served. Food will also be served, and chair massages for parents will be available for a dollar per minute.
Community of Christ Church | Aug. 1 | Noon to 2 p.m. |
834 Grant St.
Community of Christ Church is hosting a backpack giveaway. School supplies will be given away at this event — children are not required to be present.
The Living Stone Apostolic Church | Aug. 1 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
587 S. Arlington St.
The church is hosting a community back-to-school giveaway where backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed. Children must be present to receive giveaway items. Additional resources will be available, including free food and haircuts.
LeBron James Family Foundation’s House Three Thirty | Aug. 6 | Noon to 6 p.m.
532 W. Market St.
The Better Together Book Bag Giveaway, sponsored by Signal Akron, Chase Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties and Educational Empowerment Group will supply 2,500 students with backpacks filled with school supplies. Community service providers on-site will offer resources, educational information, family support services and more.
Attendees can start at House Three Thirty at 532 W. Market St. or head across the street to I Promise HealthQuarters where students can get sports physicals, dental checks and vision checks for the school year.
Lawton Street Community Center | Aug. 8 | 10 a.m. to noon
1225 Lawton St.
This is the first-annual back-to-school giveaway hosted by Donny Brooks and the Akron Baseball Project Inc. will give away school supplies while they last.
Joy Park Community Center | Aug. 8 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
825 Fuller St.
The You Matter Block Party will include music, food, inflatables, a splash pad and fire truck tours. They will also provide free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and manicures. Local organizations, including Akron Public Library Bookmobile, Akron Children’s hospital, Cleveland Clinic and Care Source will have tables at the event.
Akron Zoo | Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 | 4 to 8 p.m.
505 Euclid Ave.
The Backpack Adventure at the Akron Zoo returns. Kindergarten through 5th grade APS students can get ready for the upcoming school year with free supplies. Along with free admission to the zoo for the student and two guests, students will receive a backpack filled with school supplies (while they last), community resources for APS families, performances and educational demonstrations, and access to Akron Children’s hospital wellness staff. Bus pickup and drop-off will also be available. Attendees must present this flyer (below) for bus transportation and admission into the zoo.
The City of Akron Recreation and Parks | Aug 14 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
380 W. Crosier St.
This backpack giveaway hosted by the city’s parks department will be held at the Summit Lake Community Center. Giveaway items will include backpack items with school supplies. More information can be found here in early August.
Firestone Park Community Center | Aug. 15 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1480 Girard St.
The community center will host its second Stuff the Bus back-to-school event. Firestone Park YMCA will provide school resources, including school supplies and clothing, and Chase Bank will hold credit sessions.
Wesley Temple AME Zion Church | Aug. 17 | Noon to 3 p.m.
104 N. Prospect St.
The church will host its 5th annual back-to-school giveaway with music, games, food and free school supplies. Wesley Temple AME Zion Church is looking to provide over 200 students with these supplies along with a day of community fun and support.
North High School | Aug. 22 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
985 Gorge Blvd.
Remedy Church will host its 6th annual back-to-school shoe giveaway at North High School. School-aged children can receive a pair of shoes and haircuts while supplies last. For more information, go here.
Wintergreen Ledges Church of God | Aug. 22 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
1889 Vernon Odom Blvd.
This Family Fun Day is for all ages. Free games, food and back-to-school supplies will be given away while kiddos enjoy a bouncy house and water balloon wars.
