2023 Back to School Backpack Giveaways, FREE Supplies, and Events

Back To School Prep in Lansing

Although many of us aren’t ready to think about it yet, back-to-school time is just around the corner. Preparing for this monumental occasion can be daunting – both emotionally and financially.

Luckily the Greater Lansing area has several great options for FREE backpacks and supplies, plus fun events to put us back in the school mood.

Read on to find out where you can go in the Lansing area to receive school supplies or donate them, plus where to find events to get kids and parents prepared for a new school year.

Back To School Giveaway Events in Lansing

Project Connect Open to Clinton County residents. Pre-registration required. Backpacks, school supplies, socks, and underwear available for school-age children. See details below. Deadline to register: July 23, 2023

Back To School Blast First United Methodist Church 275 W Michigan Ave, Jackson 49201 Blast activities will be held at Horace Blackman Park, First United Methodist Church, and on Michigan Ave in downtown Jackson. Each student in attendance will receive a backpack filled with school supplies. Lunch will be also be provided and additional supplies will be available at Community Agency tables along with information about their services. Games and activities for kids of all ages too. Thursday, July 27, 2023 I 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Wireless Zone’s School Rocks Backpack Giveaway Various Locations Free backpack filled with school supplies. One per student while supplies last. Sunday, July 30, 2023

School and Art Supply Backpack Drive Moores Park, 400 Moores River Dr, Lansing 48910 While supplies last, receive a backpack full of school supplies! Free food and live music. Fun for everyone. August 1, 2023 I 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Backpack Blast Wildlife Ministries 10624 S State Rd, Morrice 48857 Free backpacks, school supplies, hot dogs, & crafts! Bring your family and spread the word. Whiles supplies last. Tuesday, August 1, 2023 I 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Back To School BBQ One North Kitchen and Bar Jackson 2115 Bondsteel Dr, Jackson 49202 Various events include: – All you can eat pancake breakfast hosted by the Jackson Rotary Club – $10/person – Cornhole Tournament hosted by Island City Cornhole – Live Music – Dunk Tank featuring Jackson-area school principals and administrators – Kids Games – One North Chili Contest Saturday, August 5, 2023 I 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Back To School Bash 2023 Sycamore Creek – Potterville 425 E Main St, Potterville 48876 Kick off the 2023-2024 school year with a fun gathering to get ready for school with free Kona Ice, free backpacks, and free school supplies. While supplies last. Wednesday, August 9, 2023 I 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Eaton Clothing & Furniture Center’s Back To School 135 S Washington St, Charlotte, 48813 Pre-registration required/see QR code below. See details below. August 9, 10, 11, 2023

Rae of Sunshine 3rd Annual Back to School Block Party St. Stephens Community Church 1007 Kimberly Dr, Lansing, 48912 Food, games, prizes, vendors, mini-health fair, and more! Free and open to all. School supplies available while supplies last. Saturday, August 12, 2023 I 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Back To School BBQ & Backpack Giveaway Tabernacle of David 2645 W Holmes Rd, Lansing 48911 All ages welcome. Activities planned include: – Backpack Giveaway (1000 backpacks to disperse) – 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament – Vaccination and Cholesterol Checks – Dunk Tank, Video Truck, and Inflatables – Free Haircuts – Fun, Fun, and Fellowship and more! Saturday, August 12, 2023 I 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Back to School Picnic Bath United Methodist Church 13777 Main St, Bath 48808 All are welcome. Free school supplies, lunch, music, face painting, games and more. Sunday, August 13, 2023 I 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Back to School Bash Charlotte Assembly of God 1100 E Clinton Trl, Charlotte 48813 This is a FREE event for our community. Free backpacks full of supplies (while they last). There will also be inflatables for kids. Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.

Backpack Giveaway Event McCurdy Park – Jaycee Pavilion, 560 W Corunna Ave, Corunna 48847 NotaryMarketingCo is teaming up with the community to make a difference. We are thrilled to announce our commitment to giving away 100 backpacks filled with essential goodies whiles supplies last. Thursday, August 17, 2023 I 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Back To School Giveaway Brotherhood Against Drugs St. Joseph Park 2125 W Hillsdale, Lansing 48915 Activities include: – Free Haircuts and Blood Pressure Checks – Free Food – Sports Physicals – Free Backpacks (while supplies last) Saturday, August 19, 2023 I 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Back To School Craft Events in Lansing

Kids Zone August Activity: Color Your Own Pencil Pouch Various JC Penney Stores The 2nd Saturday of each month, JC Penney invites children of all ages to their Kids Zone for a free craft, JCP swag, and parents will receive a coupon for 10% off purchases. Restrictions apply. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Check here to make sure your local JCP is participating. Saturday, August 12, 2023 I 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sunday Makebreak: Animal Friends Pencil Topper Various Michaels Stores Stop in to make a cute clay pencil topper just in time for back to school. This is an in-person event. This event is free and all supplies are included. Register online. Sunday, August 13, 2023 I 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Other Back To School Events

2nd Annual Positive Somebody Family Mental Health Fun Day Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania, Lansing 48912 Multiple stations with fun mental health activities and resources for coping with big feelings and how to process them, crafts, games and more. Free parking on the day of the event by mentioning “Positive Somebody” to the parking attendant. Booths and tables will be set up just outside the zoo’s entrance. Sunday, August 6, 2023 I 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Have A Back-To-School Tip We Missed?

Join the conversation and let us know your go-to tips for back-to-school preparations. Comment below – we’d love to hear your thoughts and ways to help more of us enjoy these last few weeks and days before we say goodbye to summer.

From all of our LFF staff, we hope you are having an amazing summer and that back-to-school prep is a bit easier this year!