Students Can Prepare for the New School Year with Backpack Giveaways and Family Resource Fairs
The countdown to the first day of school has begun, and for many San Antonio families that means more than simply buying notebooks and pencils.
Community groups, school districts, healthcare providers, local businesses and elected officials are hosting dozens of free backpack giveaways, school supply drives, health fairs and resource events over the next several weeks.
Whether you’re searching for free school supplies, low-cost healthcare services or the best time to shop tax-free, this Observer guide brings everything together in one place.
Mark Your Calendar For First Day Back to School
Before making back-to-school plans, parents should note when classes begin in their school district:
- Northside Independent School District students return to class on Monday, Aug. 10.
- San Antonio Independent School District students begin the new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
- North East Independent School District students return on Monday, Aug. 17.
- Judson Independent School District students return on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
- Alamo Heights Independent School District students being on Tuesday, Aug. 19
Parents should also check with their child’s campus for orientation dates, meet-the-teacher nights and campus-specific school supply lists.
Save During Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend
Families can save money on many back-to-school purchases during Texas’ annual Sales Tax Holiday, which begins Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through midnight Sunday, Aug. 9.
Qualifying clothing, footwear, backpacks and most school supplies priced under $100 per item may be purchased without paying state sales tax. The exemption applies to purchases made in stores as well as eligible online and catalog orders.
Parents should review the Texas Comptroller’s Sales Tax Holiday Guide before shopping to verify which items qualify for the exemption.
Take Care of Back-to-School Health Needs
Preparing students for a successful school year also includes making sure they are healthy before returning to class.
Walmart Wellness Day
Families can combine back-to-school shopping with healthcare during Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday, July 25. All Walmart locations will offer convenient access to low-cost immunizations, vision care and everyday health essentials, making it easier for parents to complete important health appointments while shopping for school supplies.
CentroMed Offers Backpacks With Well-Child Visits
CentroMed clinics are encouraging parents to schedule annual well-child exams before school begins. Families who complete appointments through Aug. 14 can receive free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last.
Free Backpack and School Supply Events
Thousands of backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed throughout San Antonio before students return to class. Most events are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and many require children to be present.
21st Annual Back 2 School Jamboree | July 24
Claude W. Black Community Center
10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
The annual Back 2 School Jamboree returns with free backpacks, school supplies and community resources while supplies last. Families can also connect with local organizations offering programs and services designed to help students succeed throughout the school year.
South Texas Vocational Institute School Supply Drive | July 24
734 SE Military Dr.
4 to 6 P.M.
Instead of handing out backpacks, South Texas Vocational Institute invites families to bring their own backpacks so volunteers can fill them with school supplies. Children must be present to receive supplies.
Housing Authority of Bexar County Backpack Giveaway | July, 25
1954 E. Houston St.
10 A.M. to Noon
The Housing Authority of Bexar County will distribute 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for students of all ages, including college students. No registration is required. Distribution is first come, first served, and K-12 students must be present to receive a backpack.
Drivers should enter through the Housing Authority parking lot, with vehicles lining up along North Palmetto Avenue toward East Crockett Street.
SAISD Back-to-School Carnival & Resource Fair | July 25
Young Men’s Leadership Academy
11 A.M. to 2 P.M.
San Antonio ISD families can enjoy a day of educational sessions, entertainment and community resources while students receive backpacks and school supplies before classes begin.
United Way Family Day | July, 25
3642 E. Houston St.
5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County is partnering with the American Red Cross to host its annual Family Day celebration featuring games, face painting, a bubble station and family activities. The first 500 children will receive backpacks filled with school supplies donated by H-E-B. Children must be present to receive a backpack.
IDEA Burke Academy & College Preparatory | July, 25
10434 Marbach Rd.
11 A.M. to 1 P.M.
As part of the statewide Backpacks for Bright Futures initiative, IDEA Public Schools will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 600 school-aged children. The event is open to all students, regardless of where they attend school.
30th Annual Backpack Giveaway | July, 26
3119 Martin Luther King Drive
1 P.M. to 3 P.M.
The 30th Annual Backpack Giveaway will provide free backpacks to help elementary and middle school students prepare for the new school year while supplies last. The event is sponsored by Toya’s Angels and Fernando/Available Bail Bonds as part of their effort to support local families with back-to-school essentials.
Pre-K 4 SA’s Citywide Back-to-School Events by District
Pre-K 4 SA has compiled a citywide roundup of back-to-school events to help San Antonio families prepare for the new school year.
Hosted by schools, nonprofits, businesses and community organizations, the events offer free backpacks, school supplies, health services, haircuts and other resources to help students start the school year ready to learn. See each event, district and location below.
District 1
August 8 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Edison High School, 701 Santa Monica St.
District 2
August 1 | Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
DoSeum, 2800 Broadway
District 3
July 25, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CASA, 1956 S WW White Rd
District 4
August 8 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Centro Med, 5439 Ray Ellison
District 5
August 8 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Southside YMCA, 835 W Southcross Blvd
District 7
August 8 | Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Marshall High School Cafeteria, 8000 Lobo Ln.
District 8
August 8 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
UT San Antonio Park West Athletics Complex
8000 TX-1604 Loop, San
District 10
August 1 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Blessed Angels, 14078 Nacogdoches Rd,
Families can connect with healthcare providers, community organizations and neighborhood resources while preparing students for the upcoming school year.
Give Back Through School Supply Drives
Several organizations are still collecting backpacks and school supplies to help local students.
Communities In Schools San Antonio continues its annual Stuff the Bus campaign, serving students across 130 schools in 15 school districts. Donations will be accepted Aug. 1 at participating H-E-B stores and partner locations, including Pearl, Las Palapas, EoS Fitness and the UTSA Youth Volleyball Clinic.
United Rehab is also accepting donations of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, glue sticks and other classroom essentials.
Helping Students Start the Year Strong
From free backpack giveaways and health fairs to tax-free shopping and school supply drives, San Antonio families have numerous opportunities to prepare for the 2026-27 school year while saving money. Parents are encouraged to arrive early for giveaway events, as many are first come, first served and available only while supplies last.
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