Prepare for a successful school year with our guide to backpack giveaways, school supply events, resource fairs, and family-friendly back-to-school activities happening throughout Kankakee County.
Colored pencils, journals, and pocket folders, oh my! Our community is coming together to help students start the school year with confidence.
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Edward Chipman Library
Get ready for school!
Free school supplies are available at the library starting July 20th until they last.
Limit 10 items per student.
Sun, Jul 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
All children attending this event can snag a free backpack! No purchase necessary. Child must be in attendance to receive a backpack. A few lucky students will randomly receive a golden ruler with their backpack and win $250 to purchase school supplies!
This is the only local Verizon location participating in this event.
Fri, Jul 31, 2026 at 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
7376 E Illinois St, Sun River Terrace
Kankakee County Community Services, Inc.
Calling all Kankakee County parents and students grades K-12!
Come to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church on 7/31 at 1pm for a free school supply kit.
A parent or legal guardian must bring their valid Kankakee County state ID/driver's license and social security card for the youth in their household. Kits are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Supplies will run out quickly, so please be prompt. We cannot hold supplies for anyone. A parent or legal guardian MUST be present to pick up the kit.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a day of fun, food, and community!
Our goal is to provide 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Also enjoy:
- bounce houses
- hamburgers and hot dogs
- snow cones
- cotton candy
- free haircuts
- petting zoo
- family activities and entertainment
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Kankakee United
Get ready for the new school year at Kankakee United Back 2 School!
Families can enjoy community resources, prizes, food, drinks, a bounce house, free school supplies, and back-to-school fun as we prepare students for a successful year ahead!
Children must be present to receive school supplies while they last.
Mon, Aug 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
School supply Giveaway!
5:00-7:00pm or while supplies last.
Backpacks and basic supplies available.
Tue, Aug 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Bradley Police Department
Giveaways start promptly at 5:00pm and will continue until supplies last.
School supply bags sponsored by Illinois State Rep. Jackie Haas.
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fierce Financial Planning Services, Inc. and Still I Rise presents the 9th Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway.
Admission is free and all ages are welcome! While supplies last.
Harold & Jean Miner Festival Square
The Depot - Hillside Stage
Giveaways include:
- book bags with supplies
- cash giveaways
- school uniforms
- hair braiding
- bike giveaway
- bounce house
- free food and beverages
- food trucks
- face painting
- games
- live DJ and more!
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Come join us on August 16, 2026 from 12-3pm at Pioneer Park.
- Free School Uniforms for District 111: PreK - 8th grade. Children must be present!
- Backpacks filled with School Supplies and more.
- Free shoes
- Free clothes
- Free food and beverages
- Free giveaways, raffles, gift card and more!
A successful school year starts with more than just school supplies. Discover sports physicals, wellness exams, vision screenings, resource fairs, and other community events that help students head back to school healthy, prepared, and ready to learn.
Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tue, Jul 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Manteno Chamber of Commerce
Bring the kids out early for an afternoon of fun before the music begins!
Free face painting.
Free school supplies generously donated by our amazing Influencers and Chamber members. (while supplies last)
Meet local businesses and organizations that support our community.
Fri, Jul 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Community Health Partnership of Illinois
815-932-6045
National Health Center Week (August 2–8) is an annual celebration that raises awareness of the mission and accomplishments of America’s community health centers over the past five decades. Community health centers serve as beacons of strength, service, and care in the communities they serve. This year’s National Health Center Week honors the dedicated providers, staff, and patients who make this work possible.
To celebrate, Community Health Partnership of Illinois (CHP) has planned a variety of activities throughout the week, with a special focus on supporting local students and families through our Back-to-School events.
What to Expect:
- Giveaways
- School supplies
- RX food distribution (monthly food event)
- Dental Screenings and Preventative Dental Services ($60 flat fee if you don't have insurance)
- School Physicals (We accept all Medicaid insurance types and commercial/private or a flat rate of $30)
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hippocrates Medical Clinic
Hippocrates Medical Clinic hosts an annual Back‑to‑School Health Fair to help children and families prepare for a healthy start to the school year. The event offers free school physicals, vision screenings, and wellness education, along with valuable information and resources from local nonprofit organizations. Families can connect with community partners, learn about available support services, and receive guidance on staying healthy throughout the year. This event reflects our commitment to providing accessible care and strengthening the well‑being of our community.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Kankakee United
Get ready for the new school year at Kankakee United Back 2 School!
Families can enjoy community resources, prizes, food, drinks, a bounce house, free school supplies, and back-to-school fun as we prepare students for a successful year ahead!
Children must be present to receive school supplies while they last.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Momence Park District
Join us Saturday, August 1st at 11:00am for our Back to School Bash at Island Park.
School supplies (while supplies last), activities, and fun in the park!
Tue, Aug 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Bradley Police Department
Come join your community law enforcement agencies for a Free Family event of music, food and fun!
Schedule of events:
3:00pm - The Maes Band helps us finish setting up
4:00pm - official event kickoff and Tyme Machine Band takes the stage
5:00pm - food, drinks, school supplies, and other giveaways begin and continue while supplies last
5:15pm - Rewind Band takes the stage
7:00pm - The Silhouttes take the stage
School supply bags sponsored by Illinois State Rep. Jackie Haas.
Meet retired Chicago White Sox player Steve Lyons.
Don't miss your chance at one of the many donated Raffle Prizes. Bring your non-expired, non-perishable, baby items and hygiene products, etc. items for donation for the Kankakee Salvation Army. Limit 5 tickets per person.
