Hitting the books: Where to find free back-to-school essentials in and around Indianapolis
Summer may have just begun, but the start of a new school year is already fast approaching.
As Hoosier families start preparing for school, here are some of the places where you can find free school supplies, backpacks, hygiene products, healthcare kits and more.
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Hensley Legal Group Backpacks 4 Good
Hensley Legal Group aims to give back to the Indianapolis community by giving out 30,000 backpacks this year. The law firm will be hosting two drive-thru events on the north and south sides of Indianapolis, where families can pick up free backpacks with school supplies.
You can also enter a raffle to win a Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a $100 gift card, camping chairs and Yeti products by pre-registering for the event. If you’re one of the first 200 cars at each location, you will also receive a free Domino’s pizza and a popsicle for each child in the car.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. July 14 in Greenwood, and 10 a.m. to noon July 15 in Fishers
Where: 107 N. State Road 135 Suite 105, Greenwood, and 8350 Sunlight Drive Suite 300, Fishers
Event information: bit.ly/3Y46jW9
Indy Hygiene Hub Back-to-School Bash
The Indy Hygiene Hub will give out hygiene kits, books and school supplies at their third annual Back to School Bash. School-aged kids can also get haircuts from licensed hairstylists and play with coloring backs and temporary tattoos in the activity area. Families who qualify for Medicaid and/or food stamps can also receive free cell phones. Attendees should register ahead of the day at bit.ly/3rkF25b.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15
Where: 9511 Angola Court
Event information: bit.ly/3D9eIh1
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Drive-Thru Prayer & Backpack Giveaway
Ministry leaders Robert and Deborah Cooley will be giving out 500 backpacks with school supplies for the third year of their annual backpack drive. Included will also be a food box and other items supplied by the Indy Black Firefighters Association.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. July 15
Where: 2186 N. Sherman Drive
Event information: bit.ly/3D91eSH
Abundant Life Church's Backpack Giveaway
Anyone is welcome to attend Abundant Life Church’s backpack giveaway event, where kids can pick up free backpacks. Free food, live entertainment and bouncy castles are guaranteed.
When: 6-9 p.m. July 21
Where: 7606 E. 82nd St.
Event information: bit.ly/46NbNsg
H.O.P.S. CARES Community & Backpack Drive Day
H.O.P.S. Heart of Charity is hosting their annual backpack drive, offering middle- and high-school students free backpacks and school supplies while celebrating the start of a new school year with food and face-painting.
When: 1-4 p.m. July 22
Where: 2100 W. 38th St.
Event information: bit.ly/3pOTbqU
Indianapolis Urban League Back-to-School Block Party
Children can get free backpacks and school supplies, while families enjoy free food and entertainment at the back-to-school block party hosted by the Indianapolis Urban League. Free haircuts and health screenings are also available to kids.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 22
Where: 777 Indiana Ave.
Event information: bit.ly/43hFJcU
Tom Wood Volkswagen Noblesville Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway
Tom Wood, a family-owned and operated car dealership, is giving out free backpacks with school supplies at their Noblesville location, as part of their mission to reinvest in local communities.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 22
Where: 14701 Tom Wood Way, Noblesville
Event information: bit.ly/3Q7E8DL
Stewart & Stewart Attorneys "Pack to School" Giveaway
Stewart & Stewart Attorneys will give out 300 backpacks filled with school supplies at their first annual "Pack to School" giveaway. Families can also enjoy refreshments, activities and coupons for businesses in the area. Students should reserve their backpack ahead of time and attend on the day to pick their backpack color.
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 22
Where: 931 S. Rangeline Road, Carmel
Event information: bit.ly/3NU68b2
Catch the Stars Foundation Back-to-School Celebration
Olympic gold medalist and retired WNBA All-Star Tamika Catchings’ Catch the Stars Foundation will hold their 18th annual back-to-school celebration with live music and entertainment. Families that register ahead will also receive a free backpack.
When: Noon to 2 p.m. July 23
Where: Tarkington Park, 45 W. 40th St.
Event information: bit.ly/44HjQVC
Westminster Neighborhood Services Back-to-School Bash
Students can pick up free backpacks, school supplies, uniforms and a free lunch at Westminster Neighborhood Services' ninth annual back-to-school bash.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29
Where: 2325 E. New York St.
Event information: bit.ly/3pMrz5U
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Indy Parks Back-to-School Bash at Brookside Park
Indy Parks is holding a back-to-school event at Brookside Park's auditorium featuring school supply giveaways, free food and free haircuts from Indy barbers. Attendees should register ahead to guarantee they will receive the supplies.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29
Where: 3500 Brookside Parkway South Drive
Event information: bit.ly/3pNKVYn
You Feed Them MFP's Back-to-School Community Resource Day
Book bags, supplies, haircuts and more will be available to Marion County residents with children that register ahead at You Feed Them MFP’s community resource day. The event will also feature face-painting, bounce houses and free food.
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: Barnes United Methodist Church, 900 W. 30th St.
Event information: youfeedthemmfp.org/crd
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Back to school: Where to find free supplies, backpacks in Indy area
