Inside: A list of events giving out free school supplies to kids in 2025 for back-to-school. Many of the events also include entertainment and extras like free haircuts.
As summer winds down and the school year approaches, families across the Lowcountry are gearing up to make sure their children are prepared for a successful start. Thankfully, Charleston and surrounding communities are coming together to support students in a big way.
From free backpacks and school supplies to haircuts, food, and family fun, local organizations are hosting a series of Back-to-School Bash events that make preparation a breeze — and a celebration! Whether you’re in North Charleston, Goose Creek, or Downtown, there’s a free event near you designed to equip kids and uplift families.
Here’s a roundup of the best free back-to-school giveaways happening this season.
Are you hosting an event you’d like us to add? Please email Maria.
Pack the Back 2025
Presented by Elite Tax Group & Flight Adventure Park – Charleston
Flight Adventure Park, Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC
August 2, 2025 | 11 am to 3 pm
Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, community resources, and fun for the whole family.
Haircuts by Celebritzy Barber Shop. Games, vendors, giveaways, and activities for all ages.
Registration is required to receive supplies.
Back-to-School Giveaway & Family Fun Day
Faith In Action Kingdom Ministries & New Life Personal Development Inc.
2730 Gordon Street, North Charleston, SC
August 2, 2025 | 10 am to 1 pm
Free school supplies, games, food, and fun for the whole family.
2025 Back to School Bash
New LIFE Christian Fellowship Church
358 Liberty Hall Road, Goose Creek, SC
August 9, 2025 | 10 am to 12 pm
Free bookbags, school supplies, haircuts, giveaways, food, and lots of fun.
Water slides will be on-site — bring swimsuits!
Back to School Dae
Dae Foundation, 265 Fishburne Street, Downtown Charleston, SC
August 9, 2025 | 11 am to 1 pm
Free pizza, free school supplies, and free gently used sports equipment.
Back to School Giveaway
Multiple locations across the Lowcountry
August 9–10, 2025
North Charleston
August 9, 2025 | 10 am to 3 pm
Huger, SC
August 9, 2025 | 4 pm to 7 pm
Buck Hall, SC
August 10, 2025 | 2 pm to 6 pm
Free school supplies, food, music, community resources, and fun for all.
Donations of school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, and youth resources are welcome.
City of Charleston First Day Festival
Gaillard Auditorium and the SC Aquarium
August 10, 2025 | 1 pm to 4 pm
Free school supplies, free admission to the aquarium, free entertainment, food trucks (food for purchase)
First Day Festival
8th Annual Back to School Bash
Presented by Every 1 Voice Matters, In partnership with Acts of Kindness, NCPD, and M.A.D. USA
CCSD District 4 Stadium, 3659 W Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
August 16, 2025 | 12 pm to 3 pm
1,000 free bookbags filled with supplies, 200 brand new sneakers, 300–400 school uniforms, free haircuts, academic assessments, and free hotdogs & hamburgers.
Games, GameTruck, jump castles, skating with Skate Boss, face painting, train rides, and more.
Sneaker sign-up required by July 26. Limit 2 pairs per family. Emails will be sent to selected participants.
