Need free backpacks and supplies before school starts? Here's where to go in Stockton

A plethora of back-to-school giveaways are happening in Stockton to help families with rising school supply costs.

Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics this season, according to the National Retail Foundation. While that amount is $15 less than last year's record of $890, it is the second highest amount in the survey's history.

Several agencies, nonprofits, and religious organizations have stepped in to help ease the back-to-school burden for Stockton families. Below is a list of giveaways scheduled in the coming days.

Bingo 4 Kids Giveaway

When: 9 a.m. July 22

Where: Winners Bingo Stockton at 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton

Details: The first 300 children will get to play bingo for gift cards and Kindle tablets. They must be accompanied by an adult, but seating is limited to kids. Free pizza and drinks will be available for students after bingo. Call (209) 470-1284 for more information.

Sierra Vista Resident Council Giveaway

When: 11:30 a.m. July 22

Where: Sierra Vista Apartments at 1520 E. Eleventh St. in Stockton

Details: Children must be present to receive a backpack. No exceptions. Food and drinks will be provided.

Native C.O.R.E. Giveaway

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 25

Where: Native C.O.R.E. at 1351 W. Oak St. in Stockton

Details: Call (209) 451-4755 to reserve a free backpack. Supplies are limited.

Ninth Annual Block Party

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27

Where: Chase Chevrolet at 6441 Holman Rd. in Stockton

Details: The San Joaquin County Department of Child Support Services is set to host their ninth annual block party in partnership with more than 60 local agencies, community partners, and vendors. Lunch is going to be provided by Chase Chevrolet and there will be entertainment and raffle prizes. A limited amount of free backpacks will be available for walkups. Parents can register in advance for their child to receive a free backpack here .

Oasis City Center's Back-to-School Bash

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27

Where: Oasis City Center at 848 E. Hammer Lane in Stockton

Details: Students between first grade through 12th grade can receive a free backpack and school supplies at Oasis City Center's annual back-to-school bash. In order to attend the party, students must be enrolled in a San Joaquin County school and registration is required. Parents can RSVP for their students here .

Right Hand of Fellowship Church Giveaway

When: 10 a.m. July 27

Where: Shopping center at 6530 Pacific Ave. in Stockton

Details: To put on its annual back-to-school giveaway, Right Hand of Fellowship Church is collaborating with Birthday Blessings Foundation and Crush Colon Cancer Organization. Volunteers are planning to hand out free backpacks and school supplies to students. Contact Takeia at (209) 640-3604 for more information.

Stockton 209 Cares Giveaway

When: 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 31

Where: Taft Community Center at 389 Downing Ave. in Stockton

Details: For the 10th year, Stockton 209 Cares will hold a back-to-school event, giving out free backpacks, school supplies, and haircuts. There will also be food, drinks, and games for kids to enjoy.

Colby Friday Giveaway

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3

Where: Weberstown Park at 4780 Kentfield Rd. in Stockton

Details: Attendees can expect "family prayer, food, and fun," a flyer for the event states. Kids will get to participate in arts and crafts, get their faces painted, play games, and win prizes.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow .

This article originally appeared on The Record: Need free backpacks and supplies before school starts? Here's where to go in Stockton