Back to School Events and Free School Supplies in San Antonio: where to donate and where to receive (2016)

Back to School Events and Free School Supplies in San Antonio: where to donate and where to receive (2016)

School starts again in just a few short weeks! Here’s San Antonio Mom Blogs’ list of Back to School Events and Free School Supplies: where to donate and where to receive (2016).

Drives to Collect School Supplies

Gabriella’s Gifts
Accepting donations now through the end of July
Gabriella’s Gifts, a part of Gabriella’s Smile Foundation, will be donating backpacks and school supplies to families fighting cancer at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

Visit the following locations to donate supplies through the end of July:

• Keller Williams City View, 10999 IH-10 West Suite 175, 78230
• Smokey Mo’s, 20210 Stone Oak Parkway #306, 78258
• Valero Energy Headquarters, 1 Valero Way (B3E-162F), 78249
• Wash Me Car Salon, 7225 Culebra Road, 78251
• Westover Hills Learning Center, 9340 Westover Hills Blvd., 78251
• Doug Handlin Insurance, 6502 Bandera Road Suite 200, 78238

ChildSafe School Supply Drive
June 1 – August 10, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
ChildSafe, 7130 West Hwy 90, 78227
Donations will benefit children, ages 3 – 18.

San Antonio Aquarium’s Backpack Drive
Tuesday, July 14 – Friday, August 5
San Antonio Aquarium, 6320 Bandera Rd., 78238
The San Antonio Aquarium is collecting backpacks which will be given to kids to start their school year off right. For each backpack donated, you will receive a free admission ticket to the aquarium. Please ensure the backpacks are full-sized. Collections accepted at aquarium entrance.

Back to School Adopt a Child Program
Donations always welcome
7607 Somerset Road, 78211
Daughters of Charity Services of San Antonio accepts monetary donations or you can download adopt forms and shop for a specific student by making a starter kit of clothing, shoes and supplies for needy students on San Antonio’s South Side in August. Donations will be distributed August 19 and 20 but donations are always welcome.

Back to School Drive, hosted by the Ladies of the Empire and St. PJ’s Children’s Home
Sunday, July 31, 2:00 p.m.
Angie’s Flowers, 8307 S Flores St, 78221
Ladies of the Empire will be collecting items including school supplies, personal care items, children’s books, and children’s games.

Stuff the Bus collection events for Communities in Schools (CIS-SA):

• Monday, July 25 – Wednesday, August 3
  Any San Antonio Starbuck’s location
  Stuff the Bus Deal: Free tall Starbuck’s coffee or shaken iced tea with a donation of three new school supplies.
• Monday, August 1 – Thursday, August 4, All Day
  Participating McDonald’s Locations
  Stuff the Bus Deal: Free small McDonald’s french fries or hash browns with a donation of three new school supplies.
• Monday, August 1, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Kendra Scott Proceeds Party
  310 Basse Road, #101
  15% off your purchase with a school supply donation. Refreshments served. Proceeds benefit CIS-SA.
• Tuesday, August 2, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  Join Stuff the Bus at Viva Villa Taqueria for kids Mexican bingo! Each $10 donation provides one loteria card and a Big Red soft serve. Each $20 donation receives chips and queso or an order of sopapillas plus a spin on the prize wheel. Great prizes may include La Familia Cortez Restaurant goodies, t-shirts, aguas frescas and more. All proceeds benefit Communities In Schools’ Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive and will help provide new school supplies to students who otherwise would go without.
• Wednesday, August 3, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Stuff the Bus Supply Drive Mixer hosted by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Broadway Bank
  Broadway Bank Cheever Administration Bldg, 1177 NE Loop 410
  Free admission with a school supply donation. Refreshments provided. Register here.
• Thursday, August 4, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  J. McLaughlin Proceeds Party
  5930 Broadway
  Enjoy complimentary wine and snacks and a chance to win a $100 gift card. Fun shopping event where 15% of the proceeds benefit CIS-SA.
• Saturday, August 6, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  HEB stores throughout San Antonio
  Donate new school supplies at all local H-E-B stores on August 6th and we will distribute them to thousands of students at over 80 school campuses and community partners throughout Bexar County.
  Stuff the Bus team members will be in front of the store in yellow shirts to accept your donations.

Crafting for a Cause: Back to School Supply Drive, hosted by Crafthouse SA
Tuesday, August 9, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Big Bob’s Burgers, 447 W Hildebrand Ave, 78212
Join Crafthouse SA at Big Bob’s Burgers for this Back to School Supply Drive. Kids can eat free and they can craft free too when they bring a donation of a new school supply item. Kids and adults can craft a clutch, wallet, or pencil case. RSVP on Crafthouse SA’s Facebook event page! All donations will benefit The Children’s Shelter in San Antonio. Suggested donation $5 (cash or supplies).

Back to School Celebration (donation event) at Flor Bella Boutique
Saturday, August 13
427 E. Aviation Blvd, Universal City
Join Flor Bella Beauty Bar on Saturday for a back to school celebration. Please bring gym shoes, school supplies or backpack to be donated to the local school district. Let’s give back to our community! Those who donate receive 15% off of their Beauty Bar purchase.

Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, Market Square, 514 W Commerce St, 78207, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. both days
Back to School Weekend Party. What better way to kick off the school year then with a little fiesta! Join the fun and bring school supplies for a School Supplies Drive benefiting schools in District 1. The event will also feature live music from some of the local youth bands such as Elora and Gasoline Alley!

Free Back to School Events, Wellness Fairs, and Free School Supplies

Saturday, July 30: Guadalupe Community Center, 1801 W Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 78207, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Back to School Wellness and Community Resource Fair! FREE Fun for the whole family:

• Free School Supplies
• Free Haircuts
• Free Refreshments

Free services provided include: children’s immunizations, general health screenings, Ask-A-Dentist, Medication Review, PEDI Mobile bus & services, kidney health screenings, Ask-A-Doctor and Ask-A-Nurse, Mammography Screenings* (*Please Call 210-704-4100 to schedule a mammogram, insurance accepted*)

Saturday, July 30, Keith A. Campbell Memorial Library, 3011 Harney Rd., 78234, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Get ready to go back to school with the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Back 2 School Bash! Come out and receive free school supplies (while supplies last)! There will be food trucks on site, live entertainment and much more!! This event is open to all DOD ID cardholders. Child and/or child’s ID must be present to receive supplies. *Contractors not eligible to receive supplies. For questions and more information, call 652-5763.

Saturday, July 30: Carver Branch Library, 3350 E Commerce St, 78220, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
“It Takes A Village” Back To School Fest. Tribe of Umoja, “It Takes a Village” is the first of many events involving the initiative to heal our communities! Join us as we uplift one another and set the example for generations to come, on what community is all about. We will be providing food, music, spoken word/poetry, and games along with a School Supply Giveaway for all of the children. So bring a friend, and all the kids, and let’s become the village our ancestors spoke of.

Saturday, July 30: Texas A&M University Colonias Program, 9350 S Presa St, Set 110, 78223, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ready, Set, Learn! Back-2-School Fest 2016. The second annual Ready, Set, Lear! Back-2-School Fest, is here! This Back-2-School Fest aims to provide essential school supplies, to ensure our neighborhood children succeed in school. Local organizations will be on site, to provide health information and referral services. Door prizes, entertainment, and lots of family fun. The event is free and open to the public, but you MUST REGISTER TO RECEIVE SCHOOL SUPPLIES.
** The amount of school supplies available is limited
** Any unclaimed school supplies will be given to those on the waiting list.
Parents: If you would like your child to receive a FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES, please call Jessica Arriola or Valerie Nieto at 800-633-2374 to register.

Friday, August 5: Naco Perrin Clinic, 4020 Naco Perrin Blvd.
University Health System’s Back-to-School Immunization Drive, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
No appointment necessary! Bring your child’s shot record and insurance card (Most major medical insurance will cover required immunizations, including Medicaid/CHIP, which is accepted. Parents are subject to their co-pay, if applicable.). Supplies are limited: first come, first served. If someone other than mom or dad is bringing the child, please bring a letter signed by mom or dad to authorize the visit. Siblings cannot bring other siblings if both are under 18 years old.

Saturday, August 6: Freeman Expo Hall B, 3201 E Houston St, 78219, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
San Antonio Back2School Expo. Head to this free, family Back to School event which provides free and low cost immunizations, free haircuts, free vision screenings, appearances by Spurs Coyote and Ronald McDonald, and free school supplies (one supply pack per child, while supplies last).

Saturday, August 6: Wonderland of the Americas, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd, 78201, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wonderland of the Americas proudly presents Back to School Bash 2016! This special event is a FREE and offers various health services to both children including Student Athlete physicals & Low Cost/No Cost Immunization shots provided by Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care (while supplies last), Student FREE hair cuts from 10AM-2pm provided by Career Point College, Free Student Vision Screening by Mi Vision, Free Dental Screening provided by Rio Dental, Free Drawstring Backpack provided by Career Point College and So Much More! Additionally, there will be raffle giveaways for students, entertainment, children’s FREE arts & crafts, FREE Balloon Artist! Children must be present and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive gifts and services.

Saturday, August 6, Palo Alto College Gymnasium, 1400 W Villeret Blvd., 78224
Senator Carlos Uresti’s Back to School Event. Back-to-School and Health Fair (including immunizations). Backpacks will be distributed to children (one per child) in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Monday, August 8, Westside Family YMCA, 2900 Ruiz St., 78228
During the Back to School Bash at the Westside Family YMCA, 300 backpacks will be handed out, community organizations will be on site providing information and activities, and well child check-ups.

Tuesday, August 9, The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway,  78209, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free Back to School Bash with The DoSeum and KLRN: limited to 1,200 people – Must register in advance! Discover, Explore, Create and Learn at the 8th annual Back to School Bash. Explore exhibits and enjoy school readiness activities. While you’re here, stop by to meet and greet Jet Propulsion!

Thursday, August 11: Shirleen Zacharias Early College Leadership Academy (ZECLA) – Cafeteria, 7790 E 3rd St, Somerset, TX 78069-4528, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Blast Off Into a New School Year with Jet from Ready Jet Go! Families will enjoy hands-on activities from over a dozen agencies including Region 20 and Boys Town of Texas, a screening of the Ready Jet Go episodes “The Grandest Canyon and A Visit to the Planetarium” and a special appearance by Jet Propulsion of Ready Jet Go. Families will have an opportunity to visit numerous informational tables sponsored by non-profit organizations and community partners.

Saturday, August 13: Magik Performing Arts Center, 5359 Casa Bella, 78249, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 8 Magical Back to School Supplies Giveaway! Join District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg for a Magikal Back to School Event! The free, family-friendly event will include a backpack and school supplies giveaway, ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears,’ magic shows, a book sale, snacks, music and more! RSVP today so you don’t miss the fun!

Saturday, August 13: Place For Life, 5820 NW Loop 410, 78238, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Every year Place for Life hosts the Back to School Bash and supports hundreds of kids with back packs full of school supplies. Families with kids in need, from kindergarten to 8th grade are welcome for a morning of entertainment, games, food, and FREE back packs full of school supplies, FREE hair cuts, and FREE physical examinations. Pre-registration for the event is open now or you can register when you arrive.

Saturday, August 13: Edison High School, 701 Santa Monica St., 78212, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Councilman Treviño welcomes families to the District 1 Back-to-School Wellness Fair. This event will include free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, flu shots, and information from many health and education organizations. Raffles prizes will be awarded every hour, including tickets to sporting events, restaurants and more. In addition to all the back-to-school resources, free breakfast and lunch will be offered to all children in attendance, courtesy of the San Antonio Food Bank. Services are available on first come first served basis, and there is no guarantee.

Saturday, August 13: Inspire Community Fine Art Center, 200 Queen Anne Ct, 78209, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Back to School Fun Family Art Day. Get into the back to school mood, with creative make and take activities guided by Instructor Laura Rhodes and inspired by the school adventures of a really curious, sweet and mischevious little mouse. Snacks, storytelling, fun and lots of surprises is what you’ll find at this extra special Fun Family Art Day. This event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, August 14, 5404 W Military Dr., 78242, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bexar County Kutz‘s 3rd annual Back to School Drive will be giving away 200 free back packs with supplies. They will also be doing 150 free haircuts for kids 5 – 12 years old. Snacks, drinks, music and more – stay tuned for more details!

Thursday, August 18: Presa Community Center, 3721 S Presa St, 78210, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bring your kids to the Presa Community Center’s free Back-to-School Health Fair! Free sports physicals and health screenings will be provided. You can also ask a panel of doctors any of your health-related questions. And, you can participate in the Mobile Fitness Unit or Zumba. Get inspired with a healthy food demonstration. Connect with local agencies and programs at the Health Fair. And, take home a bag of groceries!

Friday, August 19, Yanaguana Garden, 434 South Alamo, 78205, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
A get ready to head back to school bash for both students and teachers. There will be something for everyone at this Back to School Bash. The Teacher’s Corner offers massage chairs, complimentary paletas, lunch bags, and more. Parents and Guardians can pick up a childsafe kit and register to vote. Students will have access to over 15+ vendors with activities and giveaways to include:

• Gardopia Gardens
• San Antonio Public Library
• Venture Lab
• KLRN
• San Antonio Zoo
• UNAM
• San Antonio Ballet
• San Antonio Dance Umbrella
• Book Garden – where children can take free books
• Whole Foods Market and so much more!

Saturday, August 20: CentroMed Clinic, 9011 Poteet Jourdanton Freeway, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 am.
The District 4 Back to School event is scheduled for August 20th. For more information, call 210-207-0880.

Saturday, August 20: True Vine Baptist Church, 435 S. Ellison Drive, 78245, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
True Vine Baptist Church: Community Back 2 School/End of Summer Bash! This event is free and open to everyone. There will be FREE School Supplies (while supplies last). For more information, please call: (210) 509-4024.

Saturday, August 20, Davis-Scott Family YMCA, 1213 Iowa St., 78203
Backpack giveaway, door prizes, group exercise demos, San Antonio Public Library Caravan, BBQ lunch and more!

Saturday, August 27: Naco Perrin Clinic, 4020 Naco Perrin Blvd., 
University Health System’s Back-to-School Immunization Drive, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
No appointment necessary! Bring your child’s shot record and insurance card (Most major medical insurance will cover required immunizations, including Medicaid/CHIP, which is accepted. Parents are subject to their co-pay, if applicable.). Supplies are limited: first come, first served. If someone other than mom or dad is bringing the child, please bring a letter signed by mom or dad to authorize the visit. Siblings cannot bring other siblings if both are under 18 years old.

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