As the back-to-school season kicks into high gear, parents and students in Brooklyn are on the lookout for affordable ways to stock up on essential school supplies.
Luckily, the borough is buzzing with a variety of events that offer free school supplies, health screenings and more so that every student has the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.
From pens and notebooks to backpacks, these events are a boon for families looking to prepare for the academic year without breaking the bank. Get ready to fill those backpacks and binders, Brooklyn!
Here are some events, categorized by date:
Friday, August 16
Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Heights Branch, 286 Cadman Plaza West
2:00pm
EmblemHealth will give away school supplies such as backpacks and pencil cases while supplies last. Additionally, community members can learn about healthy dental habits and get a free dental screening. The event is free and open to everyone; registration is not required.
Saturday, August 17
DripBk, 830 Rogers Ave.
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Join Scholars of Tomorrow Publishing and Vivliv Books at their back-to-school bash! There will be free school supplies, food, games, music, entertainment and storytelling.
Tuesday, August 20
Canarsie Park (Seaview Avenue and Remsen Avenue), East 88th Street entrance.
1:00pm to 4:00pm. School supply distribution will begin at 3:00pm.
Hosted by state senator Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, there will be games, balloon artist, magician, stilt walkers, books, drinks and a raffle. The child (ages 4 to 14) must be present to receive supplies.
Friday, August 23
EmblemHealth in East New York, 101 Pennsylvania Ave.
12:00pm
EmblemHealth will give away school supplies such as backpacks and pencil cases while supplies last. Additionally, community members can learn about healthy dental habits and get a free dental screening. The event is free and open to everyone; registration is not required.
Saturday, August 24
Kings Plaza, 5100 Kings Plaza
2:00pm to 5:00pm, Center Court
Kings Plaza is hosting a Back to School Carnival in partnership with CaribStar Radio. The carnival will include games, prizes, face painters, balloon artists, music, giveaways and more. In addition, those who show their same-day receipts of $50 or more from select Kings Plaza retailers will receive a backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last.
Lincoln Road, between Nostrand and New York Avenues
11:00am to 6:00pm
Join state senator Zellnor Myrie's annual Back to School Block Party. There will be music, food, a bounce house and face painting. One backpack will be given away to each child present.
P.S. 152 courtyard, 725 E.23rd St.
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Join Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, along with Council Member Farah N. Louis, Council Member Rita Joseph and in partnership with Flatbush Development Corporation & Elite Learners for back-to-school jamboree. There will be music, games, food and more! Registration is required can can be done here.
Sunday, August 25
Greene Acres Community Garden, 322 Franklin Ave.
2:00pm to 4:00pm
Join Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest and New York Restoration Project for a back to school event, featuring backpack and school supply giveaways while supplies last! Please check @nyrp on social media for any updates regarding cancellations due to inclement weather.
If you are able to donate school supplies, please call or email Forrest's office at 718-596-0100 or [email protected].
Monday, August 26
Brooklyn Public Library, Sheepshead Branch, 2636 E. 14th St.
11:00am to 1:00pm
Join Assemblyman Michael Novakhov and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for their backpack giveaway. Registration is required. Please call (718)-743-4078 or use this link to register for the event: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Distribution is by appointment only. Backpacks will include pencils, pens, notebooks and other supplies. Limited to two backpacks per household.
Tuesday, August 27
Cypress Hills East New York Community Center, 276 Chestnut St.
11:00am to 3:00pm
Eprine Community Services will launch its first annual Back-to-School Giveaway for local students at the Cypress Hills East New York (CHENY) Community Center. The event will include a backpack giveaway, with over a hundred bags filled with school supplies, opportunities for families to learn about Eprine’s healthcare services for justice-impacted youth and children with disabilities, alongside CHENY Community Center’s personal development programs for local residents, as well as music, sports and games.
Tuesday, September 3
Crossroads Christian Church, 6921 4th Ave.
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Crossroads Christian Church is excited to provide you with free school supplies for your child's upcoming school year!
Here's what will be available:
- Backpacks
- Composition Notebooks
- Plastic Folders (6 different colors)
- Pencils
- Large Pink Erasers
- 24 Count Crayons
- Colored Pencils
- Glue Sticks
- Safety Scissors
- Yellow Highlighters
- 3x3 Sticky Notes
- Soft Pencil Cases
Please bring your child's school supply list as you will get the opportunity to select the items personally in our supply store at no cost. Supplies are not guaranteed and all guests will be served on a first come, first serve basis, until supplies are gone. Please register here.
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