Need back-to-school supplies? Here's a few Greater New Bedford giveaways coming up.

NEW BEDFORD — Shopping for school supplies can be a big hit in the wallet for families, but as the summer winds down, there's a few free giveaway events coming up, including one this Sunday, that can help.

Have you ever seen over 3,000 backpacks in a room? Well, that's how many are waiting to be given away at two events coming up in August.

The backpacks, filled with various school supplies, were dropped off at the Paul Rodrigues Administration Building on Tuesday by the non-profit Cradles to Crayons Massachusetts.

"Staff of NBPS Family Registration, Wraparound/Family Engagement and Custodial departments all pitched in to unload the massive shipment," said NBPS Communications and Public Affairs Manager Arthur Motta, noting the backpacks and supplies arrived loaded up on 12 shipping pallets.

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“With [Cradles to Crayons] amazing network of volunteers and corporate donors they have continued to support our students by providing very necessary school supplies," said NBPS Registrar Julie Mador. "Cradles to Crayons’ dedication and compassion have helped so many New Bedford families. We are truly grateful for their continued partnership.”

Save the dates: Aug. 3 and Aug. 14

On Thursday, Aug. 3, NBPS partner School on Wheels will be at the Kindergarten Day of Celebration event at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn St., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., rain or shine.

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The event is free for families who have registered their children for Kindergarten at NBPS, or for children who attended an NBPS preschool and look to enter Kindergarten this upcoming school year. Aside from the backpack giveaway, fun activities and snacks will be provided, a press release from the district said.

Then on Aug. 14, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Carney Field, 247 Elm St., NBPS will hold its Back to School Extravaganza, hosted by the NBPS Wraparound Services Department. Backpacks/supplies will be available there as well, as well as on-site barbers who will provide students with free haircuts.

Fun activities will include a bouncy house, obstacle course, live musical performances, DJ and more. Backpacks and haircuts will be available in limited supply, the release said. All children receiving haircuts will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

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To RSVP for the Back to School Extravaganza, visit tinyurl.com/yz2ejbtp online, where forms are available in English, Español, Português, K´iché, Kreyòl, or Krioulo.

Stop by Wireless Zone in Fairhaven Sunday

Coming up quick is the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway that cell phone supplier Wireless Zone will have happening on Sunday, June 30 at its Fairhaven location at 28 Fairhaven Commons Way. On that day, families will be able to come into the store and pick up a backpack full of items such as pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, a ruler and glue, according to Wireless Zone's press release.

"According to the National Retail Federation, American families with school-aged children spent an average of $864 on school supplies in 2022 — totaling $36.1 billion spent in the U.S. last year on school supplies alone," the press release reads. "Supporters of the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway are encouraged to use #BackpackGiveaway on social media to help spread the word."

One backpack per child present will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis, and any left over will be donated to local schools of each store’s choice, the press release said.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Greater New Bedford events to provide free school supplies, haircuts