Back-to-school supply drives are taking place across Palm Beach County, helping families and students prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Adding a unique spin to the effort, West Palm Beach-based Lil Groove Thing, founded by Tia Noelle and Lawnette Mundy-Sorowka, will host The Backpack Session on Aug. 2. The daytime dance party will combine soulful house music with local culture, while encouraging attendees to give back by supporting Palm Beach County students.
The event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Celona + Soulmates' Music Record Shop, located at 429 Northwood Road in West Palm Beach. It aims to support Rohi’s Liberation Station, a local nonprofit focused on improving literacy and educational access for children and families.
✏️ Read
more: When do Palm Beach County students go back to school?
The West Palm Beach back-to-school event will focus on music, movement and community
The Backpack Session will feature a soulful house music set by Kino Raymond, DJ lessons for all ages, local vendors, food from Tacos Al Carbon, raffles from community partners and activities designed to bring families together while giving back.
Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unopened school supplies as part of a Back-to-School Supply Drive. A portion of everyticketsold will be donated to Rohi’s Liberation Station.
“We believe families need more spaces that are fun for adults and safe for kids,” said Noelle. “Spaces that feel familiar, foster connection, and meaningfully reflect the differences and similarities found in our community. The Backpack Session is a step in that direction.”
More Palm Beach County back-to-school drives, events
For families seeking free school supplies, health check-ups, or physicals before the first day of school, organizations and health centers across Palm Beach County are hosting community drives.
The free supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and children must be present to receive items.
- Community Health Center Back to School Bash
- When: July 29, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Community Health Center of WPB, 5205 Greenwood Ave., West Palm Beach
- Offerings: Free school supplies, physicals, vaccines and dental/vision/hearing screenings for uninsured, under-insured or Medicaid-eligible students.
- RSVP Info: Pre-registration is strictly required due to limited appointment slots. Call 561-840-8681 to reserve a spot.
- Florida Dept. of Health Back-to-School Health & Wellness
- When: July 27 – August 7, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Lantana/Lake Worth Health Center, 1250 Southwinds Dr., Lantana
- Offerings: Wellness check-ups, required school immunizations and health screenings.
- RSVP Info: Appointments required. Call 561-625-5180 to schedule.
- Riviera Beach Marina Back to School Bash
- When: Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Riviera Beach Marina, 190 E. 13th St., Riviera Beach
- Offerings: Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, manicures, food, music and community resource booths.
- RSVP Info: Registration is required online at sincere2000.org.
- Florida Community Health Centers Back to School event
- When: Friday, July 31, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 5827 Corporate Way, Suite 135, West Palm Beach
- Offerings: Free backpacks, school supplies, school/sports physicals and immunizations while supplies last.
- Florida Blue Center: Mission Ready!
- When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Florida Blue Center, 1501 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach
- Offerings: Free backpacks, supplies, treats, gear-personalization craft stations and community resource information. Additional event details can be found at FloridaBlue.com/Center/Palm-Beach.
- 12th Annual Back-to-School Fair (We Can Connect College Ministry)
- When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: 3200 Roberts Lane, Lake Worth
- Offerings: Backpack and supply distributions, family activities, music, food and resource tables.
- Wellington "Party in the Park"
- When: Friday, August 7, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: Wellington Amphitheater, 12100 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington
- Offerings: Free family event featuring bounce houses, costumed characters, DJ music, food trucks, PBSO Touch-a-Truck and a prize wheel to win back-to-school gear (clear bags, highlighters, phone wallets).
This story was created by web producer Emmy Bailey (ebailey@usatodayco.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm celebrates back-to-school with party, free school supplies
