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Nonprofits and area churches around Oklahoma City are holding a series of back-to-school events through mid‑August that offer free backpacks, school supplies and other services to families. With rising household costs, these one‑day drives and block parties can make a real difference for households getting kids ready for the new school year.
Most events distribute materials on a first‑come, first‑served basis and often require a child to be present to receive items. Below is a compiled schedule of confirmed community giveaways and resource fairs; organizers recommend checking their websites or calling ahead for the latest details.
Community back-to-school events (July 25–Aug. 19)
| Date | Host / Event | Location | What’s offered | Notes / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 25 | Remnant Church / Remnant Community Development Corp. | Kiwanis Park (South Pavilion), 1101 S. Midwest Blvd., Midwest City | 500 backpacks filled with pens, paper, crayons, folders and other basic supplies; distributed while supplies last. | Arrive early; supplies limited. |
| July 25 | Latino Community Development Agency — Back‑to‑School Bash | 420 SW 10 St., Oklahoma City | Backpacks and supplies, vaccinations, free haircuts, school enrollment help and food. | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; childrens must be present; see lcdaok.com for details. |
| Aug. 1 | Project 66 Food & Resource Center — Resource Fair | First Christian Church of Edmond, 201 E. 2nd St., Edmond | Free backpacks and school supplies; community resource tables. | 9–11 a.m.; children must be present to receive supplies. project66.org |
| Aug. 1 | Family of Faith Church — Slip‑n‑Slide Backpack Giveaway | 13500 SE 15, Choctaw | Backpacks, clothing, inflatables, food; geared to elementary‑age children. | 9 a.m.–noon; students must be present. familyoffaithok.org |
| Aug. 1 | Christ’s Church of Yukon — Christ’s Closet | 620 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon | Free, gently used children’s clothing; crafts and lunch available. | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; ccyok.com/backpacks |
| Aug. 2 | Christ’s Church of Yukon — Backpack Giveaway & Back‑to‑School Bash | Christ’s Church of Yukon | Worship service at 9 a.m.; giveaways from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — free lunch, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and undergarments. | Details: ccyok.com/backpacks |
| Aug. 5 | Immanuel Baptist Church — Backpacks & BBQ | 1451 E 45, Shawnee | Free backpacks and supplies, inflatables and food concessions (hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn). | 6 p.m.; ibcshawnee.org |
| Aug. 8 | Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church — Back‑to‑School Bash | 6501 S Walker, Oklahoma City | Backpacks, games, bounce houses, snacks and live entertainment. | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; myfreebackpack.com |
| Aug. 8 | Community Back‑to‑School Bash — City of Spencer | 8306 McCoy Dr., Spencer | Backpacks and supplies (limited), food, face painting, DJ, hygiene items and haircuts. | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; cityofspencerok.gov |
| Aug. 9 | First United Methodist Church of Oklahoma City — Back‑to‑School Sunday | 131 NW 4 St., Oklahoma City | Blessing of backpacks during worship, then a cookout with games, face painting and supplies. | 10:45 a.m. service; cookout starts at 12:30 p.m.; firstchurchokc.com |
| Aug. 11 | New Hope Baptist Church — Back‑to‑School Block Party (OKC) | 1232 NE 7, Oklahoma City | Food, games and free backpacks/supplies while they last. | 6–8 p.m.; info: 405‑235‑9083 |
| Aug. 19 | New Hope Baptist — Back‑to‑School Block Party (Midwest City) | 320 N. Midwest Blvd., Midwest City | Free backpacks and supplies while inventory lasts; entertainment and food. | 6–8 p.m.; info: 405‑737‑5639 |
What to expect and how to prepare
Bring a form of identification and, when possible, a proof of the child’s age or school (some hosts ask that a student be present to receive items). Most giveaways operate on a first‑arrive basis and distribute items until they run out.
Services vary by host — several events include free haircuts, health services or school enrollment help — so double‑check the organizer’s site before you go. If a web address wasn’t listed above, try searching the organization name for the most recent announcement.
- Plan to arrive early; popular events can run out quickly.
- Bring bags or a stroller if you expect to collect multiple items.
- If you need specific supplies (calculators, composition notebooks, etc.), call ahead rather than assuming availability.
These community efforts are timed to reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses for families and to connect households with local resources ahead of the school year. Confirm event times and details with hosts before traveling, as schedules and supplies can change at short notice.
