Back-to-school events to help families in Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Summer break is about to come to an end, and thousands of families across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are already preparing for the upcoming school year.

While for some shopping for school supplies is a fun activity, a new WalletHub survey showed most parents think schools are asking too much when it comes to their back-to-school shopping list.

According to the survey, 70% believe schools want families to buy too much, and 86% of parents think the cost of education is out of control. In addition, 52% said they expect to pay more than last year.

RELATED | Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday begins on Monday

Fortunately, there are many events across our area for families that may need some help this back-to-school season.

Here’s a list of upcoming back-to-school events in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia:

Did we miss an event? Email WebTeam@wjxt.com to have your event added to our list.

Verizon Wireless 12th Annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway”

Several Verizon Wireless stores across our area will be holding a backpack giveaway on Sunday, July 28. Hundreds of families are expected to line up to receive a free backpack and participate in family-friendly activities.

The backpack giveaway starts at 1 p.m., lines are expected to form before the event starts.

Select stores will have clear backpacks available to meet that school district’s requirements.

Giveaway store locations:

• 617 N Temple Ave in Starke – will have clear backpacks

• 1342 N Orange Ave in Green Cove Springs

• 10300 Southside Blvd #2400A in Jacksonville

• 13820 Old Saint Augustine Rd Ste 205 in Jacksonville

• 3031 Monument Rd Unit 4 in Jacksonville

• 8520 Baymeadows Rd Unit 2 in Jacksonville

• 1108 Atlantic Blvd in Neptune Beach

• 1845 S 8th St. in Fernandina Beach

• 2851 County Road 210 W Unit 117 in Jacksonville

• 2 Fairfield Blvd Unit 1A in Ponte Vedra Beach

• 105 Murabella Pkwy Ste 8 in Saint Augustine

• 2603 Osborne Rd Ste 100 in Saint Mary’s, GA

• 248 Retreat Vlg Ste 248 in Saint Simons Island, GA

Back 2 School Give-a-Way

The motorcycle community in Jacksonville will hold a giveaway at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park on Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children must be present to receive a free backpack.

For more information call 904-338-3989.

11th Annual Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway Presented by FOBL in Jacksonville

The Friends of Brentwood Library (FOBL) will hold the 11th Annual Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Brentwood Branch Library. FOBL will be giving away more than 400 backpacks filled with school supplies for students registered for the giveaway. Registration is required for the backpack giveaway.

To register, fill out the form on the back of the flyer and return it to Brentwood Branch Library, 3725 N. Pearl St. A raffle drawing for a $300 clothes shopping spree for registered students will also be provided at the event.

For more information, call (904)-705-3125.

2024 Back-To-School Block Party in St. Augustine

Tobacco Free St. Johns will host its 2024 Back-To-School Block Party at The Webster School in St. Augustine on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Attendees will be able to get free wellness services such as medical, hearing, vision tests, and more. Organizers will also be providing school supplies to all students.

THE BIG GIVE in Jacksonville

Oceanway Church will give away free haircuts, groceries and school supplies on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Address: 143 Oceanway Avenue in Jacksonville. For more information visit this website.

9th Annual Wegotchu Back to School Celebration in Jacksonville

Families are encouraged to attend the 9th Annual Wegotchu Back to School Celebration on Aug. 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Willow Trail Apartments on Mindanao Drive in Jacksonville.

Attendees will receive free backpacks and food. The mission of this event is to help children and families in need by providing the resources they need to thrive this back-to-school season.