Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system and Michigan education policy.
One thing we know about Detroit: During back-to-school season, people go all out to make sure the city’s youth can return to the classroom with the supplies they need and, in some cases, a fresh hairstyle and cut.
Organizations across the city are offering free backpacks and school supplies at events throughout August. Below, we’ve compiled a list of as many as we could find to make the school shopping experience easier for families.
Nearly all of these events offer free school supplies. Many also offer other free resources such as haircuts, hairstyling, wellness checkups, dental cleanings, eye screenings, and uniforms. And don’t forget the fun activities, from bounce houses and crafts to face painting and books. Most events also provide free food.
If you plan to go, here are a few things parents should remember:
- Go early. Some of these events have a limited number of backpacks and supplies, so if you go later in the day, you may miss out.
- Click the links to see whether registration is required. You don’t want to get to an event and find out you need to sign up in advance.
- Some events require your children to be present. So make sure you bring the kiddos; there are plenty of fun activities at these events.
- Events are in Detroit unless otherwise noted.
These events rely on donations of money and school supplies from the public to serve more students. If you click the links for each listing, you may find contact information showing how you can still donate.
Monday, Aug. 24, is the first day of school for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Michigan’s first official day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Below are some upcoming events. Know of others that aren’t on our list? Email us at detroit.tips@chalkbeat.org.
Sunday, Aug. 2
LAMA Detroit Backpack Giveaway
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Clark Park, 4301 W. Vernor Highway, at Clark and Vernor
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Time: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Racquet Up Detroit, 6530 Outer Drive West
What: The event includes free school supplies, including backpacks, as well as family activities, a bounce house, raffles, and free Kona Ice. Organized by Racquet Up Detroit.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 4733 Conner St.
What: The event includes free backpacks, school supplies, and healthy snacks, as well as resources for families. Organized by Wayne County MDHHS.
Friday, Aug. 14
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 22735 Fenkell St.
What: There will be bike giveaways for youth who live in the Brightmoor neighborhood, as well as free wellness checkups provided by Michigan State University nursing students. Local artisan and cottage food vendors will be on hand, along with community resource organizations. Organized by the Brightmoor Artisans Collective.
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort St.
What: The event will feature free backpacks and school supplies. Children must be present to receive them. There will also be bounce houses, music, lunch, and crafts.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Peace Over Pistols Back2School Event
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: 10700 W. Seven Mile Road
What: The event includes free backpacks and food. Organized by Chanira Roundtree and Busy Bee Here to Help.
Reading in Ramsay Park + Back-to-School Supplies and Backpack Giveaway
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ramsay Park, 14800 Longacre St., between Grand River Avenue and Ray Monnier Street
What: The event features free books, backpacks, and school supplies. Organized by the Grandmont Community Association Youth and Education Committee.
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Back-to-School Drop-In Party at the Library
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Detroit Public Library Chase Branch, 17731 W. Seven Mile Road
What: Free school supplies and backpacks will be available, in addition to video game competitions, crafts, games, and snacks.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd.
What: The event includes free backpacks and school supplies, bounce houses, video gaming trucks, hygiene kits, face painting, community resources, diapers, and food. There will also be free haircuts and hairstyling, but advanced registration is required.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Impact Detroit Youth Community Hub’s Back-to-School Event
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: SAY Detroit Play Center, 19320 Van Dyke Ave.
What: The event features free backpacks and school supplies, food and refreshments, a petting zoo, bounce houses, fun activities for youth, and community resources. Organized by Impact Detroit Youth Community Hub.
Backpack Giveaway at the Co-op
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Detroit People’s Food Co-op, 8324 Woodward Ave.
What: The event will feature free school supplies, including backpacks, folders, notebooks, pencils, and loose-leaf paper, as well as free school uniforms and wellness and hygiene products. The Detroit People’s Food Co-op, the organizer, is still seeking donations so it can serve 150 students.
Back-to-School Bash
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Made with Love Donuts, 9837 Reeck Rd, Allen Park
What: The event features free backpacks and school supplies, health screenings and physicals by Monarch Urgent Care, face painting, balloons, and donut decorating. Children must be present. Organized by Made With Love Donuts.
Sunday, Aug. 23
Back-to-School Community Resource Fair
Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave.
What: The event features free backpacks and school supplies, a children’s clothing swap, free books, a hands-on craft table, community resources, and local organizations that support youth and families. Organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit with partners Birdie’s Bookmobile, Brilliant Detroit, MFWAR House, and MSUFCU.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hamtramck Woody Plaza, 12140 Joseph Campau St., Hamtramck
What: The event includes free backpacks, school supplies, and healthy snacks, as well as resources for families. Organized by Wayne County MDHHS.
Lori Higgins is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at lhiggins@chalkbeat.org.
