Check Out Back-to-School Giveaways Across Chicago
As summer breezes by, community organizations all across Chicago are setting students up for success as they prepare to head back for another school year. Find back-to-school events in your area offering free supplies, community resources, food, fun, and more!
Jump to: South Side | West Side | North Side
South Side
Chicago CRED
August 5 | Back-to-School Event and Resource Fair, 12-4 p.m.
Join Chicago CRED and the Youth Peace Center of Roseland on Wednesday, August 5 for a free back-to-school event focused on resources and community safety. Bring the family for free book bags, school supplies, food, health screenings, and more. 420 W 111th St. (More info)
Claretian Associates
August 7 | Claretian’s Back-to-School Event, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join Claretian Associates as they celebrate the upcoming school year with a free community event. Enjoy food, music, arts and crafts, resource tables, and more. S Brandon Ave & E 91st St. (More info)
Project H.O.O.D.
August 7 | Project H.O.O.D. Trunk Party, 4-7 p.m.
Join Project H.O.O.D.’s annual Trunk Party event, where they’ll send students off with the things they’ll need to get them started for college. 6620 S King Dr. (More info)
Think Outside Da Block
August 20 | Beyond Da Bell Back 2 School Bash, 2-5 p.m.
Think Outside Da Block and Earle STEM Elementary School are teaming up for a back-to-school bash featuring a book bag and school supplies giveaway, face painting, food, raffles, and more. 2040 W 62nd St. (More info)
West Side
UCAN
August 6 | 2026 Trunk Party, 4-6 p.m.
Join UCAN for its 9th annual Trunk Party, as they celebrate youth attending college or trade schools. Trunks will include items such as backpacks, notebooks, twin-size sheet sets (extra-long), pillows, laundry detergent, shower caddy, shower shoes, bath towels, first-aid kits, and more. 3605 W Fillmore St. (More info)
Together Chicago
August 15 | CP4P Annual Back to School Celebration, 4-7 p.m.
Join Together Chicago at Starr Park as they peacefully bring the community together to celebrate the beginning of another school year. 2306 W Maypole Ave. (More info)
Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
August 19 & 21 | SWOP Back to School
Southwest Organizing Project will host a pair of back-to-school events in Chicago Lawn and Gage Park on August 19 and August 21. Join them as they provide free school supplies, food, community resources, and fun activities for the whole family. 2744 W 63rd St and 5630 S Rockwell St. (More info)
Breakthrough
August 21 | Breakthrough Home Court, 4-8 p.m.
Breakthrough is hosting its annual summer series called “Home Court” in collaboration with Youth Guidance. Guests will enjoy a special school supply giveaway for back to school, food, music, inflatables, and plenty of family fun. 339 N St. Louis Ave. (More info)
Enlace
August 22 | Back to School Bash, 10 a.m – 4 p.m.
Join Enlace Chicago and more than 15 community organizations for a fun-filled event to help Little Village families prepare for the new school year! Families will enjoy free giveaways and school supplies, health screenings, a farmers’ market, haircuts, food, fun, and more. 2759 S Harding Ave. (More info)
North Side
Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO)
August 21 & 22 | Back-to-School Event & Book Bag Giveaway
Join ALSO for a pair of back-to-school events on August 21 and August 22 in West Town and West Humboldt Part, respectively. Community members will come together to enjoy free giveaways, food, fun, activities, resources, and more. 1410 N Leavitt St and 3201 W Chicago Ave. (More info)