As the new school year approaches, several Monterey County organizations are teaming up to ensure students have the supplies they need. From elementary through college, here’s where to find a free backpack (and more!) this July.
1. Tribal TANF “Backpacking 4 Education” Giveaway & Resource Fair
When: Thursday, July 24, 2025 • 10 AM–2 PM
Where: Sand City Hall, 1 Pendergrass Way, Sand City
What You’ll Get:
- Free backpacks filled with school supplies
- Tables featuring local family resources (tutoring, health programs, etc.)
- Fun games and giveaways
- Students will need to list their tribal affiliation
- Preregistration is strongly advised
Organizer: North Fork Rancheria Tribal TANF
Contact: Cari at (559) 760‑0156
More Info: nfrfamily.org
2. MPUSD Back‑to‑School Bash & Backpack Giveaway
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 • 10 AM–12 PM
Where: Seaside High School Gym, 2200 Noche Buena Street, Seaside
Free With RSVP:
- One backpack per enrolled (or newly registering) student
- Free tacos, face‑painting, photo booth
- Prize‑drawing entry
Extras on Site:
- School‑site & MPUSD department booths
- Community partner resource tables
- New‑student registration & returning‑student confirmation help
- Pre‑confirm enrollment to reserve your backpack & tacos.
RSVP & Details: Visit mpusd.org or call the Family Engagement Office
3. Community Day Backpack Giveaway
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 • 12 PM-2 PM
Where: Legacy Church, 1035 Rogge Road, Salinas
- Free backpacks for ages K-8
- Free haircuts
- Gift card raffles
- Free hot dogs
- Face painting
- Bounce house and more
Details: Visit Legacy Church’s Instagram
4. NHORA & Women’s Council of REALTORS Backpack Giveaway
Who: All Monterey County families welcome
When: July 27, 11:00 am
Where: 832 S. Main Street, Salinas
What: Free backpacks
Details: Child must be present (5+ years), maximum of 2 backpacks per family, first come, first served — no holds
Organizers: NHORA Monterey County and Women’s Council of REALTORS Monterey Peninsula
5. Epicenter Youth Council Backpack Distribution (supplies have been exhausted)
Who: Teens & young adults ages 14–24 (high‑school & college)
What: Free backpacks + school supplies—supplies are limited
How to Sign Up: Scan the QR code on the graphic or visit epicentermonterey.org
Questions?: Call (831) 998‑7291 or email veronica@epicentermonterey.org
6. Goodwill Central Coast Backpack Giveaways
Region: Monterey, Santa Cruz & San Luis Obispo counties
What: Enter to win a brand‑new backpack
How to Enter: Visit ccgoodwill.org and follow the Backpacks Giveaway link
Why It’s Great: Even if supplies elsewhere run out, you’ll have a chance at a high‑quality pack from Goodwill’s latest run—no purchase necessary.
7. J & M Cleaning Services Backpack Giveaway
Where: 1514 Moffett Street, Salinas
What: Free backpacks to children aged 5-12 on a first come, first served basis to the first 48 children.
When: August 13 at 5:00 pm
More Info: Visit J & M on Facebook for details
Organizers: J & M Cleaning Services
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