free school supplies

Free Backpacks & School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s that time of year- Back to school is looming. School supplies and backpacks are getting more expensive. However, there are several opportunities in the San Diego, CA area for free backpacks, school supplies, and even free haircuts for kids at selected events. For more information about each event, click the links or images (they are linked to the events).

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Spring Valley Gymnasium, 838 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –1:30 PM

 NAACP’s 24th Annual Back 2 School Stay in School Rally
MiraCosta College (Clock Tower Area), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:30 AM –12:30 PM

Buddy’s Backpacks is WILDLY popular here in East County. It starts at 9am, but last year, when we drove by at 8 am, there were already over 200 people in line. If you are dedicated to attending this event, consider arriving very early.

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, 92129
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

Southern Indian Health Council – Back to School Bash
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Sat, August 1, 2026 11:00 AM –2:00 PM
CCAE is in Central Escondido, CA. This is a newer event, and they have supplies for 200 students. There will be backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and more. 

Back 2 School Jam – Lakeside.  School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Lakeside Teen/REC Center, 9911 Vine St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Fri, August 7, 2026 3:00 PM –6:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

Super Saturday | CSAM ’26 Community Event Backpacks, school supplies, and resources.
County of San Diego Child Support Services, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Sat, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM –1:00 PM

Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
The O’Farrell Charter School (outdoors lower lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
Sat, August 8, 2026 8:00 AM –10:00 AM

Talk Back: If you know of other similar events, please leave a comment!

Educators and Parents: $35 in Free Books and School Supplies from First Book Marketplace!

Abby H.

The First Book Marketplace is an exclusive, nonprofit online store for educators and program leaders who serve children in need. It provides brand-new books, school supplies, and educational resources at deeply discounted prices, as well as access to large-scale donated books for just the cost of shipping.

Now through May 31st, every new First Book Marketplace member who registers will receive a personal $35 credit following the MemBEAR Palooza, thanks to the Build-A-Bear Foundation.

First Book Marketplace offers a diverse selection of books on various topics for kids of all ages. I’ve gotten some great books for my kids, including books about dinosaurs, history, and music.

First Book also sells school supplies! They also offer free online resources and activities for the classroom or summer work to keep your kids’ skills sharp.

About Build-A-Bear Foundation

Build-A-Bear Foundation’s mission is to add a little more heart to life by sharing hugs, inspiring creativity, and supporting those in need. With a core focus on children’s literacy, Build-A-Bear Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that inspire a love for reading in all kids. First Book and Build-A-Bear Foundation are on track to deliver 1,000,000 books and 100,000 reading buddies to children in need by the end of 2027.