Indiana Backpack Giveaways 2026 Portage • Indiana Backpack Giveaways

July 28 update: Added newly verified events in Warsaw, Indianapolis, Carmel and South Bend; corrected the Lake County Kids Party address, end time and attendance rules; and moved events ending July 25–27 into editorial history.

Indiana time-zone note: Northwest and southwest Indiana listings may use Central Time (CT). Indianapolis, Warsaw, Lafayette, Carmel and South Bend listings use Eastern Time (ET). Each row is labeled.

Showing 34 rows

Current and upcoming Indiana backpack and school-supply events
Date & time	City & location	Event & organizer	What is offered	Eligibility / attendance notes	Source
Tue, Jul 28 4:30–7:00 PM ET	Greenfield Hancock County 5809 W Airport Blvd, Greenfield, IN	Hancock4Kids Back to School Night Hancock4Kids	Full-size backpacks, school supplies, screenings, vaccinations, activities and giveaways. A food package was advertised for the first 400 children.	Families should arrive early; supplies and food packages are limited.	Indy with Kids 2026 roundup
Tue, Jul 28 4:30–7:30 PM ET	Indianapolis Marion County Haughville Branch Library, 2121 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN	Back to School Resource Fair Haughville Branch Library + community partners	Free backpacks, food and children’s haircuts while supplies last, plus games and community resources.	Open to the public; all giveaway items are while supplies last.	Indianapolis Public Library
Wed, Jul 29 12:00–2:00 PM ET	Warsaw Kosciusko County 2307 E Center St, Warsaw, IN	Kosciusko County Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway Geminus	Students can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year.	Free community distribution; check the organizer page for any updated check-in instructions.	Geminus event calendar
Wed, Jul 29 3:00–6:00 PM CT	Gary Lake County Gary, IN — confirm the participating store address	Fresh County Market Back to School Fair Fresh County Market	Reported to include free backpacks and school supplies, resources, raffles, food, music and games.	Public social listing; confirm the store address and supply limits before traveling.	Town Planner roundup
Thu, Jul 30 5:00–9:00 PM ET	Indianapolis Marion County Boner Fitness & Learning Center, 727 N Oriental St, Indianapolis, IN	Back to School Resource Fair John Boner Neighborhood Centers + partners	Free backpacks and school supplies, immunizations, school sports physicals and community resources.	Free community event; giveaway quantities may be limited.	Mirror Indy / organizer-linked report
Fri, Jul 31 10:00 AM–1:00 PM CT	Merrillville Lake County Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410	Lake County Kids Party in the Park Geminus	Free backpacks filled with school supplies, food, music, games, haircuts and community resources.	Students must be present; open to Lake County families; registration is encouraged and valid residency ID may be required.	Geminus event page
Fri, Jul 31 4:30–6:00 PM ET	Lebanon Boone County 2791 N Lebanon St, Lebanon, IN 46052	Back to School Bash Witham Family YMCA	School-supply giveaway, free books, food, games and family activities.	Supplies are available while they last.	YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
Sat, Aug 1 9:00–11:30 AM ET	Indianapolis Marion County Jordan YMCA, 8400 Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN	Community Back-to-School Bash MSD of Washington Township + community partners	Backpacks, school supplies, clothing, hygiene kits, exams, food, activities and a free book room.	Registration required; space is limited; students must attend with an adult.	MSD Washington Township school bulletin
Sat, Aug 1 9:00 AM CT until supplies last	Portage Porter County Portage Police Department, 6260 Central Ave, Portage, IN 46368	Free Backpack Giveaway Lerner & Rowe Gives Back	1,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies, plus snacks, activities and community-resource booths.	School-aged child must attend with an adult; first come, first served.	Lerner & Rowe
Sat, Aug 1 10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET	Lafayette Tippecanoe County River City Community Center, 2842 Old U.S. 31, Lafayette, IN 47909	Tools for School 2026 The Salvation Army Lafayette	Free backpacks and school supplies, plus community partners and family resources.	No preregistration required; supplies remain subject to availability.	The Salvation Army Lafayette
Sat, Aug 1 11:00 AM–2:00 PM CT	Gary Lake County Boys & Girls Club, 2700 W 19th Ave, Gary, IN	Annual Back to School Bash Grab Hope International	Free school supplies and book bags, health and dental resources, community services and family activities.	Organizer information was republished by the school district; verify supply limits.	Gary Community School Corporation
Sat, Aug 1 11:00 AM–1:00 PM CT	Merrillville Lake County Merrillville, IN — confirm venue on the organizer post	2nd Annual Back to School Carnival Community organizers	Free school supplies for Pre-K through grade 6, food and community resources.	Backpack availability is not specifically stated; verify venue, eligibility and quantities.	Town Planner roundup
Sat, Aug 1 2:00–4:00 PM ET	Indianapolis Marion County 1205 Indy Way, Indianapolis, IN	YEP We Design Back-to-School Celebration YEP We Design Foundation	Free backpacks and school supplies with activities and entertainment.	Preregistration ended July 26; extra supplies may be available while supplies last.	Mirror Indy / organizer-linked report
Mon, Aug 3 10:00 AM–12:00 PM CT	Chesterton Porter County NorthShore Chesterton, 801 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Mon, Aug 3 2:00–4:00 PM CT	Portage Porter County NorthShore Portage, 6050 Sterling Creek Rd, Portage, IN 46368	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Tue, Aug 4 10:00 AM–12:00 PM CT	Merrillville Lake County NorthShore Merrillville, 6091 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Tue, Aug 4 12:00–2:00 PM CT	Evansville Vanderburgh County Evansville, IN — organizer event block does not state the pickup venue	Backpacks 4 Good Hensley Legal Group	Free backpack filled with school supplies for Indiana students.	Student must be present; one backpack per student. Confirm the pickup address before traveling.	Hensley Legal Group
Tue, Aug 4 2:00–4:00 PM CT	Lake Station Lake County NorthShore Lake Station, 2490 Central Ave, Lake Station, IN 46405	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Wed, Aug 5 10:00 AM–12:00 PM CT	DeMotte Jasper County NorthShore DeMotte, 200 3rd Ct SE, DeMotte, IN 46310	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Wed, Aug 5 2:00–4:00 PM CT	Crown Point Lake County NorthShore Crown Point, 310 W 112th Ave, Crown Point, IN 46307	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Thu, Aug 6 10:00 AM–12:00 PM CT	Gary Lake County NorthShore Gary, 2200 Grant St, Gary, IN 46404	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Thu, Aug 6 2:00–4:00 PM CT	Hammond Lake County NorthShore Hammond, 1828 165th St, Hammond, IN 46320	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Thu, Aug 6 3:00–7:00 PM CT	La Porte LaPorte County LPHS Practice Field, 602 F Street, La Porte, IN	LifeWise Academy Back-to-School Bash LifeWise Academy	Free backpacks, school supplies and toiletries, plus free pizza.	Free community event; supplies may be limited.	La Porte Community School Corporation
Fri, Aug 7 10:00 AM–12:00 PM CT	La Porte LaPorte County NorthShore LaPorte, 508 Legacy Plaza, La Porte, IN 46350	National Health Centers Week Backpack Event NorthShore Health Centers	Free backpacks for the first 50 children, health resources and blood-pressure screenings.	First 50 children; while supplies last.	NorthShore Health Centers calendar
Fri, Aug 7 10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET	South Bend St. Joseph County Four Winds Field, 501 W South St, South Bend, IN 46601	Backpacks 4 Good Hensley Legal Group	Free backpack filled with school supplies for Indiana students.	Student must be present; one backpack per student; preregistration is recommended.	Hensley Legal Group
Sat, Aug 8 10:00 AM–2:00 PM CT	Gary Lake County Gary, IN — confirm venue on the organizer post	Back to School Bash & Community Health Fair New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church	Free school supplies, children’s activities, health screenings and wellness information.	Public social listing; verify venue and quantities before attending.	Town Planner roundup
Sat, Aug 8 10:00 AM–12:00 PM ET	South Bend St. Joseph County Clay Church Firehouse Campus, 17646 Cleveland Rd, South Bend, IN 46635	Backpack and Beyond Clay Church	Backpacks, school supplies and connections to community resources; organizers aim to serve more than 300 children.	Free community event; arrive early because supplies may be limited.	Clay Church
Sat, Aug 8 11:00 AM–2:00 PM ET	Carmel Hamilton County Village Green, 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032	Clay Terrace Back 2 School Bash Clay Terrace	Passport trail with school supplies and a free backpack stuffed with supplies for the first 35 qualifying participants, plus family activities.	First 35 completed-passport participants; while supplies last.	Clay Terrace event page
Sat, Aug 8 11:00 AM–3:00 PM ET	Indianapolis Marion County 2855 N Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219	Skilled US Back-to-School Event Skilled US	Free backpacks, haircuts and car washes.	Organizer-linked public listing; verify backpack quantities before attending.	Mirror Indy resource guide
Sat, Aug 8 11:00 AM–3:00 PM CT	Michigan City LaPorte County Michigan City, IN — confirm venue on the district rally page	City-Wide Back to School Rally Michigan City Area Schools + community partners	Free school supplies, vaccinations, games and food for Michigan City and MCAS families.	Guardian identification requested; confirm venue before traveling.	Michigan City Area Schools
Sat, Aug 8 12:00–4:00 PM CT	Gary Lake County Gary, IN — confirm venue on the organizer post	Lake Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Back 2 School Bash Lake Ridge Volunteer Fire Department	Free school supplies, games, concessions and fire-department activities.	Backpack availability is not specifically stated; verify venue and eligibility.	Town Planner roundup
Sat, Aug 8 5:00–9:00 PM ET pickup window	Goshen Elkhart County 400 W Lincoln Ave, Goshen, IN 46526	Muchas Mochilas Center for Healing & Hope	Registered families receive backpacks with school supplies, hygiene items and other resources for students entering grades K–8.	Registration is closed; limit three backpacks per family; pickup is for registered families only.	Center for Healing & Hope
Sat, Aug 15 11:00 AM–3:00 PM CT	Gary Lake County Gary, IN — confirm venue on the organizer post	Back to School Event The Father’s Heart Church	Free backpacks, school supplies, food, activities and entertainment.	Public social listing; verify venue and quantities before attending.	Town Planner roundup
Sun, Aug 16 1:00–5:00 PM CT	Michigan City LaPorte County Michigan City, IN — confirm venue on the organizer post	Back to School Bash Community organizers	Free school supplies, hair services, food, music, games and prizes.	Backpack availability is not specifically stated; verify venue and eligibility.	Town Planner roundup

Ongoing August program

Back-to-School Physical Backpack Program

Ongoing through Aug 31, 2026 · Northwest Indiana · NorthShore Health Centers

School-aged children who complete a wellness visit or sports physical are eligible for a free backpack filled with supplies through August. Call 219-763-8112 or use the official scheduling page.

NorthShore Health Centers

Watchlist — not included as validated calendar rows (4)

These entries lack enough source detail for promotion in the validated calendar.

Date	City	Event	Why held back
Sat, Aug 1, 2026	Indianapolis	Noble Characteristics Annual Back-to-School Community Event	The linked source resolves to a generic fundraising page; venue, time and backpack details remain unconfirmed.
Mon, Aug 3, 2026	Jeffersonville	Jeffersonville Christian Church Backpack Giveaway	A social listing was referenced, but the exact post and venue could not be independently confirmed.
TBA 2026	Lawrence	Back-to-School Drive / Backpack Event	No dated 2026 organizer event page was found.
Fri, Aug 7, 2026	Evansville	Rhythm Church Back to School Bash	The prior social reference could not be independently verified in a fetchable organizer source.

Recently ended events retained for editorial history (32)

Sat, Jul 11 — Indianapolis: OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA Back To School Fest
Sat, Jul 11 — Jeffersonville: Back-to-School Community Health Fair
Sat, Jul 11 — Greenwood: Wings of Hope Back-to-School Giveaway
Sat, Jul 11 — Jonesboro / Gas City: Back to School Giveaway
Sat, Jul 11 — Indianapolis: Stop the Violence Backpack Giveaway
Sun, Jul 12 — Indianapolis: MLAC Backpack Giveaway — corrected from an unsupported Aug. 3 row
Thu–Sat, Jul 16–18 — Huntington: Indiana Family Care Center School Supplies 2026
Fri, Jul 17 — Elkhart: Elkhart County Backpack Giveaway
Sat, Jul 18 — Indianapolis: Indy Hygiene Hub Back to School Bash
Sat, Jul 18 — Plainfield: Operation Backpack
Sat, Jul 18 — Indianapolis: H.O.P.S. CARES Community School Supply Giveaway
Sat, Jul 18 — Marion: 2nd Annual Community Backpack Giveaway
Sat, Jul 18 — Greenwood: FBC Greenwood Back to School Bash
Sat, Jul 18 — Southern Indiana: Banking on Our Kids Backpack Giveaway
Wed, Jul 22 — Greenfield: Hancock County Community Night
Wed–Fri, Jul 22–24 — Indianapolis: Back-to-School Kickoff
Thu, Jul 23 — Fort Wayne: 4th Annual Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair
Fri, Jul 24 — Greenwood: Backpacks 4 Good
Sat, Jul 25 — Fishers: Backpacks 4 Good
Sat, Jul 25 — Gary: 3rd Annual Back to School Fest
Sat, Jul 25 — Greenfield: 2026 Back-to-School Backpack Bash
Sat, Jul 25 — Indianapolis: Indianapolis Urban League Backpack Giveaway & Block Party
Sat, Jul 25 — Indianapolis: Back 2 School Community Day & Block Party
Sat, Jul 25 — Indianapolis: Back-to-School Community Resource Day
Sat, Jul 25 — Indianapolis: Back-to-School Parking Lot Take Away
Sat, Jul 25 — Indianapolis: Wellness Day
Sat, Jul 25 — Lafayette area: Greater Lafayette BK2SKL Carnival & Backpack Giveaway
Sat, Jul 25 — Merrillville: Life Sanctuary Back to School Community Event
Sun, Jul 26 — Indianapolis: Catch the Stars Back to School Celebration
Sun, Jul 26 — Statewide: School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
Mon, Jul 27 — Hobart: 4th Annual Back to School Bash
Mon, Jul 27 — Indianapolis: Dr. Dannee Neal Back-to-School Health Fair

How validation labels are assigned

Official source means a direct organizer, school district, library, public agency or program page. Organizer-linked means a reliable local report connects the listing to an organizer or registration source. Verify before travel means a public calendar or indexed social listing reports the event, but the venue, backpack availability or supply limits need reconfirmation.