Wondering where you can grab free school supplies? Here's where to go in the Pensacola area

The end of July is sneaking up on everyone and that means the new school year is just around the corner.

Escambia and Santa Rosa county schools will all have their first day on Aug. 12, but parents will want to make sure their kids are ready before then. That means back-to-school shopping and school supplies.

Florida will have its back-to-school tax-free weeks running from July 29-Aug. 11, and you can bet there will be plenty of sales to take advantage of leading up to sales tax holiday. But if your budget is really tight, community groups are offering multiple events to secure free supplies for your kids.

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Here’s every free school supply event we could round up in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. If we missed any, please email us at online@pnj.com so we can include it on the list, and be sure to check back so you don’t miss any.

Back to School Event at Pensacola Fairgrounds

• When: 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, July 20
• Where: Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway

Jubilee Church and a host of community partners are teaming up to ensure students and families start the 2024-2025 school year off on the right foot. From 9 a.m. to noon (or as long as supplies last), families can come and receive backpacks filled with school supplies, get kids haircuts and grab boxes of food and produce. Jubilee Church and its partners will also provide valuable information for families and plenty of entertainment in addition to all the free goods.

For more information about the back-to-school event, contact 850-474-9484 or email them at info@jubileepensacola.com.

TCC and Wireless Zone to give away over $3M of free backpacks to 120,000 students across the U.S.

• When: 1 p.m. on July 28
• Where: TCC, 400 N. Navy Blvd. Suite 008

TCC and Wireless Zone locations across the United States are giving away backpacks to 120,000 students. That includes our local TCC, located at 400 N. Navy Blvd., Suite 008. In addition to the backpacks, 10 students will be “Golden Ruler” winners and receive a $100 gift card to purchase school supplies and win $1,000 for their school. Families are invited to attend their local event to pick up a complimentary backpack, one per present child and as supplies last.

Florida Blue Centers hosting back-to-school events

• When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Aug. 3
• Where: Florida Blue Center, 1680 Airport Blvd.

Grab your friends and family and join your local Florida Blue Center on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for school supplies and backpack giveaways, interactive activities for all ages, and more. Plus, enjoy healthy refreshments as you kick off the start of the upcoming school year and learn about local community organizations in the area. You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate and there is no cost to attend.

Storytelling with Dr. Sharon Gaston

• When: 2-5 p.m. on July 28
• Where: Black Community Cafe and Bookstore, 3497 N. Davis Highway

Author and illustrator Dr. Sharon Gaston will tell the story of Pensacola’s own Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James. Jr. and help act out some of her other tales. The event will feature free food and free backpacks for kids ages 4-12.

Other ways to get free school supplies

School drive initiatives in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties work directly with school districts. The best way to find out about how you can receive help with school supplies is by contacting your child’s school administrator or guidance counselor.

To add your event to the list, email Brandon Girod at cgirod@gannett.com.