Here’s where to score free school backpacks and supplies across Nevada

School is back in session soon, and many Nevada families are struggling with the high cost of backpacks and supplies. July was a busy month for supply drives and giveaways aiding vulnerable or underserved students, teachers and schools.

Fortunately, there are several opportunities to score free supplies through August.

Northern Nevada

Greater School Supplies Drive: The Greater Nevada Credit Union is accepting school supply donations through Aug. 11 as part of its third annual Greater School Supplies Drive. Bring new items to any GNCU branch in Carson City, Reno, Sparks, Dayton, Fernley, Ely, Minden/Gardnerville, West Wendover and Elko, or Greater Nevada Mortgage’s Carson City and Sparks locations.

Supplies will be donated to organizations across Northern Nevada including Minden Elementary School, Communities in Schools Nevada, Fernley Elementary School, West Wendover Elementary School, Education Alliance of Washoe County, Nevada Kids Foundation and Carson City Schools Foundation.

For information, call 800-421-6674 or visit www.gncu.org.

Carson City

Back to School Bash: The Northern Nevada Dream Center is hosting its 5th annual Back to School Bash from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at Mills Park in Carson City. The bash will include fire trucks, treats, games, free groceries for families and other surprises.

Businesses who sponsor a student will provide the student with a new backpack and school supplies. For more information, visit https://nndreamcenter.org.

Las Vegas

Free Backpack Drive-Thru Giveaway: Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is hosting its 7th annual free Backpack Drive-Thru Giveaway starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Ruben P. Diaz Elementary, 4450 E. Owens Ave. in Las Vegas.

One thousand backpacks, stuffed with supplies like scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils and pocket folders will be handed out, while supplies last. K-12 students must be present in vehicles to receive a backpack. 

For more information, email Guy Williams at [email protected] or call (702) 858-9941.

Back to School Community Resource Fair: Commissioner Justin Jones, Acelero Learning, LVMPD Spring Valley and Health Plan of Nevada are hosting a Back to School Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 5 at Desert Breeze Community Center, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd. in Las Vegas. Attendees receive a free backpack with school supplies as well as hygiene products and haircuts. There will be food, drinks and community resources.

Project Backpack: Richard Harris Law Firm is hosting its 3rd annual Project Backpack from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 5, for qualifying schools. Stop by the law firm, 830 S. 4th Street, Las Vegas, to pick up a free backpack filled with supplies, primarily geared toward elementary students, though all grade levels are welcome.

The event will feature a special appearance by Chance and The Vivas from the Vegas Golden Knights, face painters and an ice cream truck.

To see if your child’s school is included, check out projectbackpacknv.com. Registration is required at the event for each student receiving a backpack. 

North Las Vegas

Borrow a Chromebook: Students in North Las Vegas are invited to check out a chromebook for up to 3-weeks from any North Las Vegas Library on an ongoing basis. They can also use a hotspot or free Wi-Fi at the libraries, which include: 

• Alexander Library; 1755 W. Alexander Rd.
• Aliante Library; 2400 W. Deer Springs Way
• North Las Vegas Library; 2250 Las Vegas Blvd.

Henderson

Saturday Before School: Receive free school supplies, haircuts and health screenings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Whitney Recreation and Senior Center, 5712 E. Missouri Avenue, in Henderson. The event is sponsored by the LVMPD Southeast Area Command.

Back to School Backpack Giveaway: The Henderson Equality Center is giving away 300 free backpacks filled with school supplies from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 5 at 1490 W. Sunset Road, Suite 120 in Henderson. Bags will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

Registration is required at SchoolHEC2023.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 855-955-LGBT or visit www.HendersonEqualityCenter.org

Pahrump

Fill the Bucket Supply Drive: The 13th Annual Fill the Bucket School Supply Drive, hosted by Valley Electric Association in partnership with the Nye Valley School District, takes place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Smith’s, Walmart and Albertsons stores on Saturday, Aug. 3 in Pahrump. 

There is also a bin inside the VEA lobby in Pahrump where donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 2.