School will be back in session before we know it. That means we have backpacks to fill with pencils, crayons, paper and more. 

Signal Cleveland found a few back-to-school giveaways for folks who need help with getting classroom supplies. Know of other events? Email tips@signalcleveland.org and weโ€™ll add them to the list.ย 

Get Ready for School in Style

When: Aug. 8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Where: Malachi Center 2145 Superior Viaduct
Details: Find your first day outfit by shopping a selection of like new and new clothing for children and teens 5-18 years old. Guardian and children must be in attendance. Registration required at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/back-to-school-outfit-shopping. Sponsored by Malachi Center, The Caring, PEARLS Closet and Sew4Service.

All City Back to School Festival  

When: Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. 
Where: Cleveland Public Auditorium 500 Lakeside Ave. Parking is free in the Willard Garage.
Details: Cleveland families can get free school supplies for students, free haircuts and school physicals. Educational resources will also be available.  

Power of 3 Foundation Annual School Supply Giveaway

When: Aug. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
Where: Cleveland Heights Lee Road Library Branch at 2345 Lee Rd.
Details: Items available for students while supplies last. Parents must be present with children. Sponsored by Power of 3 Foundation.

Hand up Ministries Back to School 2025

When: Aug. 9 from Noon until 2 p.m.
Where: Willson United Methodist Church 9226 St. Clair Ave.
Details: Giveaway includes back packs, school supplies and a community resource fair.

Community Back-to-School Bash

When: Aug. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: St. Thomas Aquinas School, 9101 Superior Ave. in Cleveland
Details: DJ Shonny Mac, games, kids activities, bounce house, free haircuts and backpack giveaway. Please bring non-perishable food for those in need.

Pearlz Inc. Back-to-School Event

When: Aug. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Collinwood Recreation Center 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
Details: Free back packs and school supplies. Games and activities for children. Music food and refreshments.

Ward 5 Back to School Giveaway

When: Aug. 16 from Noon to 4 p.m. (Parade starts at 11 a.m.)
Where: Friendly Inn Settlement 2386 Unwin Rd.
Details: Free food, entertainment and bookbag distribution. Child must be present.

Legit Paper & Shaw High School Back-to-School Giveaway and Celebrity Basketball Game

When: Aug. 16 at 4 p.m. Shaw High School
Where: Shaw High School 15320 Euclid Avenue, East Cleveland
Details: Free school supplies, haircuts, vendors and more.

Madison Court Community Coalition (MC3) Block Party

When: Aug. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Madison Park in Lakewood, 13201 Madison Ave., on the basketball court
Details: Free school supply starter kits at this block party with food, music, and kid-focused activities.

Collinwood Event Center Back-to-School Giveaway

When: Aug. 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Collinwood Event Center , 470 E. 152nd Street
Details: Free hair cuts for boys, free braids for girls (must come washed and blow dried), school supplies for children who attend, face painting, food trucks and more.

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