School supply giveaways in Stockton: Here's where to get free backpacks, essentials
Summer is almost over, and back-to-school season is fast approaching.
Stockton Unified School District students return to classrooms Aug. 3, while Lincoln Unified School District resumes instruction Aug. 9.
While some parents may be eager to send their children back into the classroom, others are wondering how they're going to pay for school supplies and slashing their budgets.
Inflation is expected to be the main reason behind the first yearly decline in back-to-school spending in nine years, according to a new report from Deloitte — a Big Four accounting firm that tracks consumer buying behavior.
Deloitte's 2023 back-to-school survey projects total spending per child will fall 10% to $597, down from $661 in 2022. More than half of the parents with children in grades K-12 who plan to spend less attributed the decline to "reduced disposable income."
Some Stockton parents are experiencing the same stressors.
To ease their financial burden and ensure students have the tools they need to succeed, many community-based organizations are giving away free backpacks and school supplies in the coming weeks.
Know a student in need? Check out the list below to find a giveaway that is planned to happen near you.
Stockton 209 Cares Backpack Giveaway
Nonprofit Stockton 209 Cares is planning to hand out 500 backpacks to students in need at its 9th annual school backpack giveaway Saturday at the Sherwood Mall, 5308 Pacific Ave., in the Sky Zone parking lot.
The nonprofit is planning to distribute more than 1,100 backpacks this summer. The rest of the backpacks will be given to students Aug. 5 at Stockton's National Night Out.
That is more than double the previous year — Stockton 209 Cares gave away 500 backpacks to San Joaquin County children in July 2022. Founder and president Nancy Lamb said the number has increased due to the amount of donations the organization received.
"We're very, very blessed. We actually received a lot of support from businesses in our community," Lamb said. "We have one that called us up and said, 'We want to purchase 600 backpacks for you.'"
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., students can pick up a backpack, get a free haircut and even pick out a free pair of shoes, while supplies last.
Mayor Kevin Lincoln and city council members Brando Villapudua and Michael Blower are slated to be at the event — residents have a chance to dunk them in a tank of water for a small donation. Proceeds will go toward bike purchases for Stockton 209 Cares' annual Christmas in the Streets gift giveaway.
"If anyone wants to come volunteer, we can always use the help. It takes a lot of volunteers to pull this event off," Lamb said.
Those interested in helping may contact her via email at stockton209cares@gmail.com.
Stockton Unified School District Department of Public Safety Back-to-School Giveaway
In partnership with San Joaquin Lowrider Council, the Stockton Unified School District Department of Public Safety will be giving away backpacks and school supplies from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 23 at Cesar Chavez High School.
The public safety department has hosted giveaways in previous years, but SUSD public safety department spokeswoman Angie Andrews said this one is special because of the newfound partnership.
"I wanted to do something very unique for the kids of Stockton," she said. "Kids love seeing car shows and I really wanted to amplify that, and also prepare them for the next school year, which starts super soon."
San Joaquin Lowrider Council is made up of 14 different car clubs across the county — their colorful, old-school muscle cars will be parked with tables of free goodies set up in front of them, Andrews said.
With a plethora of donations left over from the previous year, the spokeswoman said there is no shortage of backpacks and school supplies available.
"With this particular event, we just want the community to come together," Andrews said. "Any kid that's in need of any type of school supplies, we want to be able to supply it, show the cars off, enjoy free food, music, and really just have a good time before we kick off the school year."
Winners Bingo Stockton: Bingo for the Kids
Bingo for the Kids is back.
On July 24, children ages 6-12 can head to Winners Bingo Stockton at 1658 S. Airport Way with their parents to play a game of bingo and claim their free backpack and school supplies.
Doors open at 8 a.m. and bingo starts at 11 a.m. Bingo winners receive a tablet. Attendees can enjoy free pizza and drinks after the game.
For more information, call (209) 470-1284.
San Joaquin County Department of Child Support Services Annual Block Party
The San Joaquin County Department of Child Support Services will host its 8th annual block party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 at Chase Chevrolet, 6441 Holman Rd.
Parents can reserve a backpack for their child by filling out a Google Form and bringing confirmation on the day of the event. Backpacks will be free and filled with school supplies. Reservations close July 24.
Children ages 4-17 are eligible to participate in the giveaway and must be present with a parent. The event will also feature a live DJ, community resources, food, photobooth and raffle prizes.
Weston Ranch Trail Backpack Giveaway
Volunteers will be handing out free backpacks and school supplies to elementary, middle and high school students at the first annual Weston Ranch Trail Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 5.
The giveaway is geared toward Weston Ranch residents, but all children are welcome to attend and receive a free backpack for the upcoming school year, while supplies last. It will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. at Paul E. Weston Park, 1398 Ishi Goto St.
Arts and crafts, face painting, jumpers, live music and outdoor games are planned. Vendors like House of Ice Cream, Simply Tastebuds and Snaxx By Bri will be on hand to sell tasty treats. If any small business owner is interested in becoming a vendor, contact Michanne Bohanon at (209) 271-1814.
Those who are interested in donating backpacks and school supplies, or volunteering may call Porsha Maxwell at (209) 659-3140 and email admin@sbeventsbyporsha.com.
Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton back-to-school giveaways: Where to find free school supplies
