Columbus parents and students have several opportunities this summer to get school supplies, haircuts, meals and family activities at no cost as local nonprofits, churches and businesses host back-to-school events across the city.
What’s happening and where
The events, scheduled between July 18 and Aug. 1, are intended to ease the financial strain of preparing for a new academic year and connect families with community resources. Activities range from distribution of filled backpacks to career-mentoring tables and mobile vehicle displays for younger children.
- July 18, 4–6 p.m. — KidsStreet Urgent Care, 3201 Macon Road, Suite 109: 300 backpacks filled with supplies (first-come, first-served); giveaways include an Apple Watch, tablets, gift cards and a Nintendo Switch Lite; plus a bounce house, DJ, foam party, face painting and games.
- July 18, 2–5 p.m. — Motion Day 2026 at Abundant Life Full Gospel Outreach Church, 6001 Buena Vista Road: free school supplies, food and drinks, community-resource vendors, a motivational speaker panel, a car show, music and family activities. Motion Day was founded in 2023 by Michael Jones.
- July 25, 3 p.m. — Creations by Danielle 2nd Annual Back to School Giveaway at Shaw High School, 7579 Raider Way: school supplies for students in need.
- July 25, 9 a.m. — Christians Roundtable Inc. Back to School Youth Empowerment Fair at Columbus Baptist Association, 3679 Steam Mill Road: three-hour event offering K-12 supplies, buddy-pack lunches, free books, mobile van and fire truck displays, mentoring for goal-setting and career-interest representatives.
- Aug. 1 — Brewer Financial Firm Back-to-School Community Appreciation Event at 3518 Veterans Parkway, Suite A-B: four-hour event (details continue through organizer outreach).
Event summary
| Date | Host | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 18 | KidsStreet Urgent Care | 3201 Macon Road, Suite 109 | 300 backpacks; electronics giveaways; inflatables and activities |
| July 18 | Motion Day | 6001 Buena Vista Road | Supplies, food, vendors, speaker panel, car show |
| July 25 | Creations by Danielle | Shaw High School, 7579 Raider Way | School supplies for students in need |
| July 25 | Christians Roundtable Inc. | Columbus Baptist Association, 3679 Steam Mill Road | Supplies, buddy-pack lunches, free books, displays, mentoring |
| Aug. 1 | Brewer Financial Firm | 3518 Veterans Parkway, Suite A-B | Community appreciation/back-to-school event |
Why these events matter
For many families in Columbus, the cost of backpacks, supplies and basic back-to-school needs can add up during the summer months. These community-driven events aim to reduce those upfront expenses while offering students a sense of readiness and connection to local supports.
Beyond material assistance, organizers are offering networking, mentoring and public-safety displays that can help students and families learn about local services and career options. Schools, churches and small businesses continue to play a key role in coordinating those efforts across neighborhoods.
Residents planning to attend should note that at least one event—KidsStreet Urgent Care’s backpack distribution—operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has a fixed number of items. Attendees may wish to arrive early and check host pages or contact organizers for any last-minute updates.
These events are part of a broader pattern of summer outreach in Columbus, where faith-based groups, healthcare providers and small businesses frequently partner to support students as the school year approaches.
