Families in Stockton can pick up free backpacks, school supplies and other back-to-school essentials at several community events before students return to class. Many giveaways also include community resources, haircuts and food.
The events are hosted by churches, nonprofits, businesses and Stockton's largest school district. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Here's a roundup of back-to-school giveaways scheduled throughout the city.
Victory in Praise Church
Time and date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25
Location: Victory in Praise Church, 2029 E. Harding Way, Stockton
What's offered: Free barbecue, community resources, first-come, first-served haircuts and free backpacks for
the first 200 attendees. The church describes the event as "a day of connection, care and community."
Cali Braids Studio and Luxyl Beauty Supply
Time and date: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 26
Location: Luxyl Beauty Supply, 963 W. March Lane, Stockton
What's offered: Free braids, haircuts, food, bounce houses, face painting, a DJ and backpacks filled with school supplies for the first 200 children.
Greater Maranatha COGIC
Time and date: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, July 26
Location: Greater Maranatha COGIC, 2209 S. Pock Lane, Stockton
What's offered: Free backpacks filled with school supplies after the worship service. Children must be present.
Stockton 209 Cares
Time and date: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26
Location: Sherwood Place, 5308 Pacific Ave., Stockton
What's offered: Free backpacks while supplies last. The event also features a car show, food, drinks, music and vendors.
Jarell Noelle Foundation
Time and date: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 26
Location: Valverde Park, 2418 Arden Lane, Stockton
What's offered: Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, along with mental health resources, hot dogs, chips and drinks. Organizers describe the third annual event as "a day of giving, community and empowering our youth for success."
Stockton Unified School District
Time and date: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 28
Location: Weber Institute of Applied Science and Technology, 302 W. Weber Ave., Stockton
What's offered: Free JanSport backpacks, school supplies and popsicles for the first 850 Stockton Unified students who present a student ID. Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez and members of the Stockton Unified Board of Trustees are expected to attend.
The Underground Arcade
Time and date: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
Location: The Underground Arcade, 306 E. Main St., Stockton
What's offered: Free backpacks, school supplies, shoes and clothing. The giveaway is sponsored by Main Street Youth and Family Services and Foot Locker.
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: Stockton back-to-school giveaways: Where to get free supplies
