Getting ready for a new school year is an exciting time! To help you start strong, we’ve put together a list of free back-to-school resources available in the community, from school supply giveaways to sports physicals and clothing.
Be sure to check the details for each event, as some require registration. Event information can change, so it’s always a good idea to visit the organization’s website for the latest updates.
School Supply & Backpack Events
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honored2help | Saturday, August 16, 2025 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Park Center Senior High 7300 Brooklyn Blvd. Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 | Free backpacks with school supplies, free BBQ, and family fun. Registration required. |
| Angela Blake Foundation | Saturday, July 26, 2025 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Hennepin County Library 21300 John Milless Drive Rogers, MN | Free backpacks filled with school supplies. |
| Hasting Family Services | August 19-22, 2025 | By appointment. | Requires photo ID, proof of current address, and proof of school enrollment for each child. Call 651-437-7134 to make an appointment. |
| Back to School Event | Thursday, August 21, 2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Firehouse Park 6535 N. Bryant Ave. Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 | Limited number of backpacks, plus food, games, and a movie in the park after the event. |
| School-A-Palooza 2025 | Saturday, August 16, 2025 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 309 Co. Road 42 East Burnsville, MN 55306 | For families in Dakota and Scott Counties. Free breakfast, backpacks, school supplies, winter coats, and shoes for K-12 students. Registration required. |
| Back to School Central Park Commons | Thursday, August 21, 2025 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 3340 Central Park Village Drive Eagan, MN | Free backpacks filled with school supplies. Supplies are limited. |
| Cuts with a Cop | Saturday, August 30, 2025 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Moler Barber School 785 53rd Ave NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 | Free haircuts for Columbia Heights Public Schools students. |
| Ready Set Achieve | Thursday, August 21, 2025 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Lakeville North High School 19600 Ipava, Lakeville | Free school supplies and immunizations for students enrolled in a Lakeville school. |
| Unity in the Community | Thursday, August 14, 2025 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Richfield Veterans Park | School supplies, resource fair, activities, and ice cream. |
| Back 2 School Party | Sunday, August 17, 2025 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 3620 43rd Ave N Robbinsdale, MN 55422 | Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, clothes, food, and games. |
| Free Back to School Supply Giveaway | Saturday, July 26, 2025 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Hmong Village Conference Room 1001 Johnson Parkway Saint Paul, MN | Free school supplies while they last. |
| School Supply Swap Event | Saturday, August 2, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Ramsey County Environmental Center 1700 Kent Street | Pick up gently used school supplies for free. Must be a Ramsey County resident with proof of residency. |
| Emerge Back to School Event | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 1834 Emerson Ave North Minneapolis, MN 55411 | Food, fun, and school supplies for youth. |
| Back to School Bash Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church | Thursday, July 31, 2025 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 1138 Glenwood Ave. Minneapolis, MN | Free backpacks with school supplies will be distributed after a brief meeting. |
| Back to School Giveaway by Racial Justice Network | Saturday, August 16, 2025 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sanctuary Covenant Church 2018 Aldrich Ave. North Minneapolis, MN 55411 | Free school supplies, books, and food while supplies last. |
| Back to School Jamboree by Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | V3 Sports 701 Plymouth Ave North Minneapolis, MN 55411 | Free school supplies and access to community resources. |
| Back to School Bash by Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks | Thursday, August 21, 2025 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 5600 85th Ave North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 | All ages are invited to enjoy free food, backpacks, games, and resources. |
| 3rd Annual Barbeque & Back-To-School Backpack Drive | Friday, August 22, 2025 12:00 PM | 6040 Earle Brown Dr. Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 | Registration required for free backpacks and school supplies. |
| Indian Health Board’s Back to School Event | Monday, August 11, 2025 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 1315 East 24th Street Minneapolis, MN 55404 | Native Youth Day! An appointment for a Well Child Check is required to receive backpacks and school supplies. Call 612-721-9800 to schedule. |
| Wireless World/Verizon Events | Saturday, August 2, 2025 Starting at 10:00 AM | Locations in Northfield, Cottage Grove, St. Anthony, Faribault, and Red Wing. | Free backpacks with school supplies for K-12 students while supplies last. Child must be present. |
| Wireless Zone/Verizon Events | Sunday, July 27, 2025 1:00 PM | Locations in Saint Paul (Ford Parkway & Main Street), Saint Louis Park, and Maple Grove. | Free backpacks to students of all ages while supplies last. One backpack per student. |
| School Supplies Giveaway | Monday, August 4, 2025 6:00 PM | 1300 Main Street East New Prague, MN 56071 | 216 backpacks for elementary students will be given away in a drive-through event. |
| Merrick Community Services | Tuesday, August 12, 2025 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 1669 Arcade Street North Saint Paul, MN 55106 | Free backpack, school supplies, and food. |
Free High School Sports Physicals
| Provider | Date & Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Cities Orthopedics | July 24, 28, 30 & Aug 4, 5, 7, 2025 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Locations in Eagan, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Burnsville, Stillwater, Vadnais Heights, Blaine, and Plymouth. | Must register and print off forms provided on their website. |
| TRIA | July 29, 31 & Aug 5, 6, 7, 2025 | Locations in Maple Grove, Burnsville, Woodbury, Bloomington, and Shakopee. | Must schedule an appointment. |
Free & Low-Cost Clothing
| Organization | Date & Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| God’s Closet-Minnetonka | Sunday, August 3, 2025 1:00 PM | 3510 Williston Road Minnetonka, MN 55345 | Free clothing and backpacks. Kids must be present to receive a backpack. |
| Auntie Bec’s Boutique | August 21 & 22, 2025 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Saint Paul, MN | By appointment only. Email auntiebecsboutique@gmail.com to schedule. |
Have questions or need more support? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your CLC attorney. You can also contact our office for assistance.