With the return to school just around the corner, community leaders, groups, organizations and businesses are stepping up to help send the kids back with the items they need to learn. They’re also throwing in a lot of fun. For many of these events, students must be present to receive supplies.
Saturday
Back to School Bash
What: Free school supplies, free haircuts, free food, music, face painting, bounce house, and more.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Vaughn Road Park, 3620 Vaughn Road, Montgomery
Sponsor: Powell & Scott Alabama’s Special Education Attorneys
Alabama State SGA supply giveaway
What: A book bag and school supply giveaway
Who: Anyone with children in grades K-12 is eligible to participate. Students must be present to receive supplies.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while supplies last
Where: in the parking lot of Hornet Stadium, 915 University Drive N.
Sponsor: Alabama State University’s Student Government Association, Miss ASU and court, in collaboration with Universal Connection.
July 29
Back 2 School Jam
What: Backpack giveaways, music, kid zone, fun and food
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Pratt Park amphitheater, 460 Doster Road, Prattville
Sponsor: One Community Outreach Center, with 97.9 Jamz and First Missionary Baptist Church Men’s Ministry
Back to School Backpack Giveaway
Who: Operation Homefront
What: Activities, school supplies and more for military families.
When: 10 a.m.-noon
Where: Maxwell-Gunter Youth Centers at Maxwell Air Force Base
Eligibility: This event is for DEERS to enroll military-dependent children only who will be in kindergarten through 12th grade for the 2022-23 school year. Post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service member of any rank, both currently serving and those no longer serving in the military; or all ranks active duty; or all ranks activated Guard or Reserve personnel currently serving in extended Title 10 status.
More: Registration is required by July 27 at operationhomefront.org/event/btsb-maxwell-afb-al/
July 30
Lowndes County Public School annual Back to School Rally
What: Awards, prizes, games, free food, and school supplies.
When: 9-11 a.m.
Where: Russel Field
Back 2 School Summer Blast
What: Backpack and school supply giveaway while supplies last, with DJ, games, face painting, bouncy houses and potato sack races, plus fellowship and food.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Maggie Street Missionary Baptist Church, 642 Maggie St., Montgomery
More: maggiestreetchurch.org
Big Back 2 School Uniform Giveaway
What: Free school uniforms for the kids — two tops and two bottoms, while supplies last.
When: Time TBD
Where: Parking lot of Empire, 2239 E South Blvd., Montgomery
Sponsors: Presented by LivinLegend Lausane and the OGs
Aug. 1
Back 2 School Beauty Bash
What: There will be motivational speaking by “American Idol” finalist Lady K, Justice B and more, plus food and drinks, beauty therapy, hair services, school supplies, and more. Three of the students there will win hairstyle, makeup and more by salon owner Justice B. Other prizes will be awarded as well.
When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Justice B. Beauty salon, 120 Mendel Parkway, Montgomery.
Aug. 3
Fourth annual Crystal Johnson Back to School Supply Giveaway
What: This is part of a series of giveaways dedicated to children who passed away from a terminal illness. Crystal Johnson died of Lupus complications.
When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Eastdale Mall in Montgomery
Sponsors: This is presented by the BlueHeart Foundation 334.
More: Other dates/places for related giveaways are:
- July 30, 2nd Annual AvaLynn James School Supply Giveaway from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m at Wiregrass Common Mall (AvaLynn James died of cancer);
- Cupcake McKinney School Supply Giveaway on Aug 6, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover;
- and the Peyton Embry School Supply Giveaway on Aug. 6, from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at J. Craig Smith Community Center in Sylacauga.
Aug. 5
Gospel Youth Back 2 School Explosion
What: This is open to all students K-12 to get free school supplies and backpacks.
When:11 a.m. to 3 p.m
Where: 810 E. South Blvd., Montgomery.
More: Gospel artists, praise dancers, and praise teams performing. Food trucks will be there. Community resource vendors will be on-site with essential information.
Sponsors: Event is hosted by Street Life Community Development Corporation and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, with other sponsor businesses.
Aug. 6
Seventh annual Back to School Block Party
What: Free book bags full of school and personal hygiene supplies.
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Ja’Mel Brown Center, 1036 Mill St., Montgomery.
More: There will be a DJ and bounce houses.
Back to School Supply Giveaway
What: All ages event with free school supplies
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Sheridan Heights Community Center, 3501 Faro St., Montgomery
Sponsor: Road to Recovery Outreach Center
Back 2 School Giveaway
What: Free school supplies, live DJ, free haircuts for kids, free burgers
When: 2-6 p.m.
Where: Stonebridge Apartments in the open field
Sponsors: Presented by LivinLegend Lausane and the OGs
Back 2 School Drive
What: Free food, school supplies, music and fun.
When: 3 p.m.
Where: 2413 E. South Boulevard, Montgomery.
More: Hosted by CCOM (Car Clubs of Montgomery) and Queenz Carnival
Back to School Backpack Drive
What: Backpack giveaway with supplies and goodies for elementary to high school
When: 3-5 p.m.
Where: YuBar and Grill Parking Lot at the Atlanta Crossing Shopping Center, 185 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery
More: Accepting donations for the drive at fedmoms.org.
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel at [email protected].