You’re Invited: Back-to-School Drives with Free Supplies & Family Fun!
The new school year is just around the corner, and we want to help our children start strong! The Children’s Network of Hillsborough invites you to join these exciting Back-to-School events where families can receive free school supplies, enjoy fun activities, and connect with valuable community resources.
July 19, 2025
Idlewild Baptist Church – Back-to-School Bash
- Date: Friday, July 19
- Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (by appointment)
- Location: 8209 N 19th St, Tampa, FL 33604
- Free school supplies
- Lunch provided
- Fun activities, vendors & support agencies
- Please register in advance by scanning the QR code on the flyer or contacting: fostercare@idlewild.org or (813) 264-8796
Click Image to Enlarge
August 2, 2025
Community Alliance – Back-to-School Community Resource Fair
- Date: Saturday, August 2
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Victor Crist Community Center Complex — 14013 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33613
- Free backpacks & school supplies (Child must be present)
- Food, resources, and fun!
- First come, first served
- Learn more: hccommunityalliance.org
Click Image to Enlarge
Florida Blue Back to School: Fuel the Future
- Date: Saturday, August 2
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: 201 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33609
- Free backpacks & school supplies (child & guardian must be present)
- Fun activities and resources!
- Parent/guardian must be present with child(ren) to receive a backpack. Limit 3 backpacks per household.
- RSVP and register here: Florida Blue Back to School Event
2025 Back to School Giveaway – Florida Technical College Tampa
- Date: Saturday, August 2
- Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: 3251 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33614
- Free backpacks & school supplies (first come, first served)
- Family Activities, Raffles and Community Partners!
- Parent/guardian must be present with child(ren) to receive a backpack. Limit 1 backpack per child.
- Important Notice: Tickets are not required to attend the Back-to-School event. To participate, you must register in person on the day of the event.
- For more information: visit the EventBrite Page
Back 2 School Bash & Largest Classroom – Emanuel P. Johnson Rec Center
- Date: Saturday, August 2
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: 5855 S 78th St, Tampa, FL, 33619
- Free backpacks & school supplies (while supplies last)
- Games, Prizes, Food and Community Partners!
- Questions: please email Tasha Mingo or call (813) 981-3578.
- For more information: visit the Event Webpage
Hillsborough County Public Schools Present the 18th Annual Back to School Fair
- Date: Saturday, August 2
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: WestShore Plaza – 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609
- Free backpacks are given to the first 1,000 kids in the backpack line
- Exact Location TBD – follow the signs in the mall (the line for free backpacks usually starts to form around 9am, and there are just 1,000 backpacks to give out – so get there early and don’t miss out!)
- Enjoy performances, games, and activities throughout the event.
- For more information: Visit the EventBrite Page
August 9, 2025
Florida Penguin’s Back to School Bash at Tampa Premium Outlets
- Date: Saturday, August 9
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Tampa Premium Outlets – 2300 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz, FL, 33559
- Pre-register children for a free backpack (while supplies last)
- Activities, performances, bounce houses, vendors & resources!
- Please RSVP in advance: Visit the EventBrite Page
