Backpack/School Supplies Giveaway Events
MiraCosta College Back-to-School Giveaway
• When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM.
• Where: 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA
• Details: This event provides free backpacks, school supplies, food, games, and community resources
Menifee Back 2 School Bash
• When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM
• Where: Wheatfield Park (30627 Menifee Road, Menifee, CA)
• Details: Hosted by My Brothas Keeper 54 Inc., this event gives away free backpacks filled with essential supplies to local children.
Artful Start: Back to School Drive
• When: Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM
• Where: California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA • Details: Quality school supplies, food vouchers, and complimentary haircuts for K–12 students.
2nd Annual Military Child Backpack Giveaway
• When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM
• Where: Lennar at Quartz Ranch, 26271 Cherry Plum Cir, Menifee, CA • Details: Registration is available on Eventbrite for children of military families, veterans, and reservists.
Annual Back to School Resource Fair
• Date & Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Venue: Child Development Associates (CDA) Kearny Mesa Office, 5473 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
• Details: Free entry featuring kids' activities and community resources. Free backpacks with school supplies will be given to the first 400 school-aged children in attendance.
Southern Indian Health Council (SIHC) East County School Supply Drive
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (All Day)
• Venue: Southern Indian Health Council Community Event Space (Details at SIHC School RSVP Page)
• Details: A comprehensive East County community gathering featuring over 45 local vendors, food trucks, health resources, music, and entertainment. Free backpacks and school supplies are distributed entirely free to the kids
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Venue: San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
• Details: Hosted by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner alongside the San Diego Padres and Cox Communications. Provides free backpacks and supplies for K-12 families. No reservations are required, and validated parking is available under the library
Radiant Life Church Supply Giveaway
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (Morning session)
• Venue: Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129 • Details: Community-focused distribution offering free backpacks and essential learning supplies while inventory lasts.
Annual Backpack Giveaway & Family Resource Fair
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• Venue: The O'Farrell Charter School (Lower Outdoor Lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
• Details: Free backpacks stuffed with learning supplies available on a first-come, first-served basis. Includes family activities, library resources, and a free nutritional meal. Families can sign up ahead of time via the California Senate District 39 Portal.
County of San Diego Super Saturday CSAM Giveaway
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Venue: San Diego County DCSS, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
• Details: Hosted by the County Child Support Services department. Open to all local families, handing out free backpacks and core school supplies while inventory lasts, alongside child support resource guidance.
Oceanside Community Resource Center Drive
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Venue: Crown Heights Community Resource Center (1210 Division St, Oceanside, CA 92054)
• Details: Focused on local neighborhood families. They distribute free backpacks stuffed with grade-appropriate learning supplies. Free health screenings and local family service booths will also be on-site.
North County Lifeline School Supply Distribution
Main office at (760) 726-4900 or email info@nclifeline.org
• Date & Time: Mid-August (Dates vary by registration slot)
• Venue: Lifeline Oceanside Office (2000 California St, Oceanside, CA 92054)
• Details: Geared towards low-income families and youth in North County. To guarantee a backpack, it is highly recommended to contact them ahead of time at Lifeline's Community Portal to see if pre-registration or case-management sign-ups are required.
The Father’s House Back to School Bash
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM
• Venue: The Father's House San Marcos Campus (Close to the Carlsbad/San Marcos border)
• Details: A community outreach event providing free backpacks and essential learning supplies to local North County kids. Registration is required in advance through The Father's House SD Portal.
Heart of Compassion Backpack Giveaway
• Date & Time: Saturday, August 2, 2026, at 11:30 AM
• Venue: Grape Day Park, 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
• Details: Hosted by Heart Church SD. This open public giveaway features free backpacks stuffed with school essentials alongside hot dogs, games, clothing distributions, and raffles. Children must be physically present to receive a backpack.
FREE VERIZON BACKPACK GIVEAWAY!
Local Verizon stores are hosting their annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Supplies are first-come, first-served, and children must be present to receive the bags.
Pre-Attendance Check
Before you head out on Sunday, July 26th, remember to plug the specific store's ZIP code into the Wireless Zone Locator Link or the TCC Locator Link to confirm that the individual franchise location is an active participant in this year's distribution event.
Oceanside locations!!!!
Verizon (Mission Ave)
• Address: 3760 Mission Ave Ste B, Oceanside, CA 92058
• Sunday Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Verizon (Oceanside Blvd)
• Address: 4221 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056
• Sunday Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Verizon (Plaza Drive)
Oceanside, CA
• Address: 3702 Plaza Dr Ste B, Oceanside, CA 92056
• Sunday Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Verizon (Coast Highway)
• Address: 201 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
• Sunday Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM [1, 2, 3, 4]
Carlsbad Location & Sunday Hours
Verizon (Marron Road)
• Address: 1846 Marron Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Sunday Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM [1]
Escondido Locations & Sunday Hours
Verizon (Auto Park Way / Escondido Promenade)
• Address: 1270 Auto Park Way Ste A, Escondido, CA 92029 • Sunday Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Verizon (East Valley Parkway / Vineyard Square)
• Address: 1507 E Valley Pkwy #4, Escondido, CA 92027 • Sunday Hours: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM