It’s time to get the kids those backpacks, folders, rulers, pencils, and other items they need to turn their attention from summer fun to the blackboard — and local organizations around town are helping with multiple events to supply what they need to get those good grades. Here’s a list of events you can take your family to prepare them for the school season.
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 (Rain date: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025)
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
Lincoln Hospital: Great Lawn
234 E. 149th Street
Bronx, NY 10451
• The NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx is hosting a Back-to-School Health Fest that features health education screenings and resources, a free backpack, school supplies, raffle prizes, live music, and more. The first 200 participants will receive a free backpack (child must be present).
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025
1 p.m.
Nourish
141 Alexander Avenue
Bronx, NY 10454
Oyate Group—an anti-poverty nonprofit based in the Bronx—is supporting local families through its annual backpack giveaway for Pre-K to 5th grade students. Families can register here to pick up to three backpacks on a first-come, first-served basis: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KFQ3CSC
Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
3424 Kossuth Avenue
Bronx, NY 10467 (Kossuth Ave between 208th and 210th Street)
• The New York Restoration Project (NYRP) is hosting a Back-to-School Backpack Bonanza that features a backpack giveaway, school supplies, and more.
Friday, Aug. 29, 2025
5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Bedstuy Community Garden
95 Malcolm X Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11221 (Bedford-Stuyvesant)