The upcoming school year will be a big one for many students in the neighborhood, especially with a couple of local schools on the list for Mayor Parker’s year-round school pilot.
As always, the first step for preparing your kids for school is ensuring they have the school supplies they need to start the year strong.
We’ve pulled together a list of events and places where you can get free school supplies for your kids to prepare for the school year.
August 11
Prevention Point Philadelphia
Prevention Point is hosting a “Back-to-School” event at the Love Lot at 2913-15 Kensington Ave. on August 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will free backpacks, school supplies, and more.
Visit Prevention Point's Facebook page for more information.
August 15
Congreso de Latinos Unidos
Congreso is hosting a “Back-to-School Resource Fair” in its parking lot (2800 N. American St.) on August 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Along with backpacks and school supplies, Congreso will offer free produce, community resources and more.
To register, text “b2s” to 215-914-3755. For other questions, contact info@congreso.net.
August 16
Harrowgate Civic Association
HCA is hosting its “Back to School Bash!” event at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. on August 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be free backpacks and school supplies. Children must be present to receive the giveaways.
For more information, contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com.
August 17
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s first annual “Classroom Kickoff” event will be held at 4821 Frankford Ave. on August 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be music, food, and free backpacks for the first 300 children who stop by.
Click here for more information about the event. Call 215-686-3448 or email admin.lozada@phila.gov with questions.
Safe-Hub & Scanlon Rec Center
Safe-Hub & Scanlon Rec Center are partnering to host its “Back-to-School Party” on August 17 at 1099 Venango St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be more than 700 backpacks available, free local resources, and more.
Contact jennifer.guzman@safe-hub.org for more information.
August 23
Impact Services is partnering with Kensington Soccer Club and Street Soccer USA to host “The Impact Summer End of Soccer Celebration and Back to School Back Pack Giveaway” event at Hissey Playground from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be soccer activities, free school supplies, and more. A child must be present to receive school supplies.
August 24
St. Mark's Church
St. Mark's Church is hosting a “Back to School Fair” at 4442 Frankford Ave. on August 24 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with arts and crafts, facepainting, music, snacks, and more. Children must be present for the backpack giveaway.
Click here or call 215-535-0635 for more information.
McPherson Square Library
McPherson Square Library is hosting its “Back to School Kick Off” event on August 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will be food, backpacks with school supplies, and more.
Call 215-685-9995 for more information.
Cool Kidz Empowerment
Cool Kidz Empowerment is hosting its sixth “Back-to-School Drive” at B Street and Allegheny Avenue on August 24 starting at 2 p.m. They will give out free backpacks and school supplies, but children must be present to receive them. They are also looking for volunteers to help with the event. The rain date is scheduled for August 25.
Message Cool Kidz Empowerment on Instagram for more information about the event and volunteer opportunities.
What did we miss?
Did we miss an event or organization that should be on this list? Email us ASAP at editors@kensingtonvoice.com and we’ll add it to our list.
Have any questions, comments, or concerns about this story? Send an email to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
