With school going back into session, families in Long Beach that may be in need of supplies have plenty of opportunities to stock up this weekend. Several Long Beach and other local organizations are offering free backpacks, school supplies, uniforms and other items to ensure students have what they need to succeed.
Back 2 School Jam: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
District 8 Councilmember Al Austin’s office and Crossroads Long Beach will be giving away free backpacks and school supplies at Scherer Park (4600 Long Beach Blvd.) for the 12th annual Back 2 School Jam.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. attendees can enjoy live performances, raffles, eye checks, immunizations, games and free haircuts.
My Ancestors’ Dream Long Beach Back to School Bash: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
My Ancestors’ Dream, a Long Beach-based nonprofit organization that combats racial injustice in communities of color, will be giving free school supplies away as well as hosting arts and crafts, games and more activities at Drake Park (951 Maine Ave.) from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Children ages 17 and under are welcome to participate, and students must be present in order to receive school supplies. My Ancestor’s Dream is still accepting donations for the event, and residents can drop off supplies at Dappers & Dames Parlour (507 E Broadway), Ambitious Ales (4019 Atlantic Ave.) or Annex Training (2431 Orange Ave.).
Local Hearts Foundation Backpack giveaway: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Homeland Culture Center (1321 E Anaheim St.), Local Hearts Foundation will host its annual back-to-school drive, with 2,000 backpacks for local children. Backpacks will be offered for students of all ages and will include supplies such as notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, and more.
Children can also receive haircuts to boost their confidence and prepare them for the school year. Supplies will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. As one of the largest back-to-school drives in the county, residents are advised to arrive early.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to arrive by 8 a.m.
Christ the Good Shepherd Coptic Orthodox Church Back to School Pickup: Saturday, Aug. 26, from noon to 3 p.m.
Christ the Good Shepherd American Orthodox Church is providing free backpacks, school supplies and uniforms as well as a free lunch from noon to 3 p.m. at the 15th Street parking lot located at 1303 East 15th Street.
Sensory Sunday Mixer: Sunday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
LBC Hero Squad is celebrating its last summer mixer with a back-to-school giveaway and uniform exchange at Skyzone in Cerritos (10755 South St.). By using the discount code HeroSquad, families can enjoy two hours of jump time and sky socks for $20 to end their summer.
Students will receive free back-to-school supplies, fidget toys, snacks and beverages in the party room 1. Families are asked to bring in their gently used uniforms so others can swap to prepare for the school year.
