As the new school year approaches, Tzedek DC is here to support your family's journey toward educational success. We understand that the back-to-school season can bring both excitement and challenges, especially when it comes to ensuring your child has the necessary supplies. That’s why we have compiled a list of upcoming events across the DMV area where you can access free school supplies and resources to set your child up for a successful year.
At Tzedek DC, we believe that every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of their family's financial situation. By providing awareness of these resources, we aim to reduce the barriers that can hinder a child’s ability to thrive academically.
Wednesday, August 21
Cure the Streets DC Back-to-School Celebration
Join the Cure the Streets DC Back-to-School Celebration at Tyler House Apartments’ Community Room. Enjoy food, uniforms, book bags, and fresh produce, and register for free WiFi and phones.
When: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Where: Tyler House Apartments (1200 North Capitol St NW)
No registration required
Friday, August 23
Chase 2nd Annual Back to School Community Day
Book bags and school supply giveaways, swag, and prizes. Enjoy free food, beverages, and haircuts, and take part in panel discussions featuring Big G and Backyard Band. Additionally, there will be financial health workshops. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. School supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
When: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Chase Skyland Community Branch (2728 Good Hope Rd SE)
No registration required
Wizards’ Jarden Poole Back to School Tip-Off
Each student will receive a new backpack full of school supplies and a new book from Mahogany Books, courtesy of Jordan Poole and the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation to start the school year! Activities include back-to-school haircuts, basketball clinics, DJ Heat and Wizards Dancers, free food, face painters, and more.
When: 12:00 - 3:30 pm
Where: Stanton Elementary School (2701 Naylor Rd SE)
Please enter through the Naylor Rd gate and check in at the field upon arrivalNo registration required
Back to School Day at RFK
Bring the whole family to celebrate the season at Back to School Day at RFK. From haircuts to school supplies, there will be everything your family needs to get ready for another great school year. Activities include book bags and school supplies giveaways, food, music, arcade, games, and more.
When: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: The Fields at RFK Campus (401 Oklahoma Ave NE)
No registration required
Saturday, August 24
EBOL Food and Supply Distribution - Together We Thrive
Join Emory Beacon of Light Food and Supply Distribution for free food, hygiene products, essential household items, and school supplies to help our community shine!
When: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Emory Beacon of Light (6100 Georgia Ave NW)
Drive-Through: Quackenbos St NW
Walk-Up: Georgia Ave NW
Back to School Barbecue
Join Bennett Career Institute & Alan Foundation for a school supplies bazaar, games, food, free haircuts, and styles.
When: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Bennett Career Institute (700 Monroe St NE)
No registration required
Ward 5 Back to School Giveaway
Join Ward 5 EEC for a free back-to-school backpack and school supplies. Also, get a chance to meet the members, neighbors, and community organizations.
When: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Wheatley Education Campus (1299 Neal St NE)
No registration required
Fight for Children Youth Sports Day
Join Fight For Children Youth Sports Day for a fun-filled, community event that will showcase sports-based youth development programs, games and prizes, a DJ, music and special guests, food trucks, and lots of fun for the whole family!
When: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: The Fields at RFK Campus (401 Oklahoma Ave NE)
12th Annual Back 2 School Health & Wellness Festival
Join the Greater Washington Urban League and Second Baptist Church Southwest at the 12th Annual Back 2 School Health & Wellness Festival! We are giving away 1,000 backpacks and school supplies to 1,000 students!
When: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Second Baptist Church Southwest (5501 Silver Hill Rd, District Heights, MD 20747)
DPR Roving Leaders Backpack Giveaway
The annual Roving Leaders Backpack Giveaway returns! First come, first served. Bags are available for students 3-to-17 years old. Parent and student must be present.
When: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Kennedy Recreation Center (1401 7th St NW)
No registration required
Back 2 School Bookbag Giveaway
Join Bethel Stand For Life Outreach Ministries Inc. for a free back-to-school backpack giveaway.
When: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Corner of Southern Ave and S Capitol St SW
No registration required
DPR Emery Heights Backpack Giveaway
Join DPR for this exciting upcoming backpack giveaway at Emery Heights along with Leg3ndary Experiences.
When: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW)
Day in the Park Backpack Giveaway
Join Park Road Community Church for their back-to-school backpack giveaway event, featuring games, food, a lemonade stand, and sack racing.
When: 1:00 pm - TBD
Where: Park Road Community Church (1019 Park Rd NW)
Register with Pastor Parshall or Youth Leader
Books Braids & Beyond A Free Back to School Event
Join Arena Stage for moving stories, hair love, a demonstration by Dudley Beauty College, and school supplies and backpacks.
When: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St SW)
No registration required
Annual Community Day Health and Wellness Fair 2024
Join DC Health and the Places of Worship Advisory Board at the Marshall Heights Community Development Center for the Annual Community Day Health and Wellness Fair. Free health screenings and referrals will be available, as well as entertainment and activities for all ages. Free fruit, vegetables, and hot food will be available.
When: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Where: Marshall Heights Community Development Center (3939 Benning Rd NE)
Sunday, August 25
Back-to-School Clothing Swap
Join Community Swap at Trinidad Farmers Market for a back-to-school clothing swap event. Donate clothes, school uniforms, shoes, backpacks, books, and toys. No furniture, large baby gear, or car seats are accepted. Any remaining items will be donated to local families.
When: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Joseph Cole Recreation Center (1232 Neal St NE)
Good Times Community Festival
Join the annual Good Times Community Festival at THEARC! Food, games, activities, and free supply-filled backpacks for students so they are prepared for a successful new school year! WPGC 99.5 and SJ EZ Street will be supplying the jams. The Burton and Craig Shields Foundation will be providing free haircuts/styling for children. Hair appointments are strongly encouraged, and limited walk-in appointments will be available.
When: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Where: THEARC (1901 Mississippi Ave SE)
Saturday, September 7
Learn24’s Afterschool in the City 2024
Join the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes and the Learn24 network to explore all the afterschool and out-of-school time programming available to District youth ages 5-21 during the 2024-25 school year.
When: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Deanwood Community Center (1350 49th St NE)
Saturday, September 14
DCPS Back to School Block Party
The DC Public Schools’ Back to School Block Party is a celebration to welcome students, families, teachers, school administration, and community members to a successful start to the new school year. The Block Party is designed to engage the DC community in a fun and welcoming environment while providing information and resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and gather materials from community organizations and District Government agencies, including health & wellness, food access, and college & career readiness to name a few. There will be free food and fun activities for all ages including games, face painting, and student performances.
When: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Jefferson Middle School Academy (801 7th St SW)