Long Beach families preparing for the new school year have several nearby opportunities to pick up free backpacks, school supplies and additional services this week and over the weekend, organizers said. Multiple neighborhood groups are coordinating giveaway events that include free children’s haircuts, snacks and community resources.
Dates, locations and offerings
Events are scheduled at parks, nonprofit offices and community centers. Hosts range from neighborhood associations to volunteer organizers and local advocacy groups. The following events are confirmed:
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 — Willmore City Community Association will distribute 200 free backpacks, pairs of shoes, books and insulated water bottles at The Bembridge House at Drake Park, 953 North Park Circle Dr., from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will also feature free children’s haircuts, ice cream from Handel’s Ice Cream and sweet treats by The Pin-Up Kitchen.
- Saturday, Aug. 22 — Long Beach Forward will host a giveaway at its office, 2217 E. Sixth St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing free backpacks, school supplies and snacks. Organizers say children’s haircuts and hair styling will be available, and gift cards will be distributed in raffle drawings. Backpacks at this event are intended for children ages 4–13 (TK–7th grade).
- Saturday, Aug. 22 — Tito Rodriguez, known as Hood Santa, plans a backpack and school-supply distribution at MacArthur Park, 1321 East Anaheim St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The effort is slated to include free toys, Bombas socks, and free children’s haircuts and makeup services. Rodriguez has set a goal to hand out 3,000 backpacks at the event and had raised $2,750 toward a $25,000 target as of Thursday afternoon.
- Saturday, Aug. 22 — The fifth annual Black Student Achievement Initiative Symposium at 1022 E. Market St. will include a backpack giveaway, a complimentary lunch and informational breakout sessions.
Community connections and support
Organizers are encouraging families to attend not only to collect supplies but also to connect with local resources and services. Events include live music, activities for children and opportunities to learn about community programs that support students and families throughout the school year.
"Event organizers encourage all family members to come out to get connected with resources, learn about community services and enjoy live music along with activities for all ages," organizers said.
The range of services — from haircuts to food and information sessions — reflects a broader effort by Long Beach nonprofits and neighborhood groups to remove barriers to school readiness for low-income and underserved families.
Quick reference
| Date | Location | Time | Key offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 18 | 953 North Park Circle Dr. (Bembridge House at Drake Park) | 5–7 p.m. | 200 backpacks, shoes, books, water bottles, haircuts, ice cream |
| Aug. 22 | 2217 E. Sixth St. (Long Beach Forward) | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Backpacks for ages 4–13, supplies, haircuts, snacks, raffles |
| Aug. 22 | 1321 East Anaheim St. (MacArthur Park) | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Backpacks (goal 3,000), toys, socks, haircuts, makeup |
| Aug. 22 | 1022 E. Market St. | Varied | Backpack giveaway, lunch, breakout sessions |
Volunteers and donors remain part of the effort. Organizers for the MacArthur Park event have publicly sought volunteers and financial contributions to meet the 3,000-backpack target.
As school starts, these coordinated efforts aim to ease household costs and ensure students in Long Beach begin the year with necessary supplies. Residents interested in participating, volunteering or donating were advised to consult host organizations for any last-minute updates or additional details.
