Central Ohio
Homeport Back-to-School Program
Homeport’s 2026 drive aims to serve 2,500 children. A public distribution date was not posted at validation time.
Ohio giveaway calendar
Showing 47 events
| Date & time | City / area | Event | Location | What to know | Status | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:00–4:00 PM | Sunbury | Supplies for Scholars – SunburyGeneral Rosecrans Elementary, Sunbury | General Rosecrans Elementary, Sunbury | Free school supplies for eligible Delaware County students; confirm registration and eligibility details with the organizer. | Current listing | Source for Supplies for Scholars – Sunbury |
| 5:00–8:00 PM | Columbus | KidsLinked North Columbus KidsFestMater Academy, 5085 Reed Road, Columbus, OH 43220 | Mater Academy, 5085 Reed Road, Columbus, OH 43220 | Free back-to-school supplies for the first 200, limit two per family. Advance registration is recommended; free preregistration or a stated door admission may apply. | Current listing | Source for KidsLinked North Columbus KidsFest |
| 2:00 PM | Cleveland | IMPACT 2026 Backpack & Community Resource EventAmbition HQ Creativ, 4603 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH 44109 | Ambition HQ Creativ, 4603 Pearl Road, Cleveland, OH 44109 | Free backpacks and supplies, food, community resources and a game truck. RSVP is available on the organizer page. | Confirmed | Source for IMPACT 2026 Backpack & Community Resource Event |
| 3:00–5:00 PM | Cincinnati | Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Springfield PikeBoost Mobile, 10160 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215 | Boost Mobile, 10160 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215 | One free backpack per student, no purchase necessary, while supplies last. Student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. | Current listing | Source for Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Springfield Pike |
| 5:00–7:00 PM | Dayton | Dayton Kroc Center Backpack PickupDayton Kroc Center, 1000 N. Keowee St., Dayton, OH | Dayton Kroc Center, 1000 N. Keowee St., Dayton, OH | Free backpack and school supplies for students in grades K–8. Registration is required and may close when capacity is reached. | Confirmed | Source for Dayton Kroc Center Backpack Pickup |
| 6:00–8:00 PM | Cincinnati | Gray Road Christian Academy Block PartyGray Road Christian Academy, Winton Hills, Cincinnati | Gray Road Christian Academy, Winton Hills, Cincinnati | School supplies, food, health screenings, music and family activities. Separate registration may be required for haircuts or styling. | Current listing | Source for Gray Road Christian Academy Block Party |
| 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Painesville | Lake County Back-to-School BashHarvey High School, Painesville, OH | Harvey High School, Painesville, OH | For Lake County families in need: backpacks, school supplies, clothing, haircuts, screenings and community resources. Some immunizations required advance registration. | Confirmed | Source for Lake County Back-to-School Bash |
| 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Cincinnati | Oak Hills United Methodist Church GiveawayOak Hills United Methodist Church, Cincinnati | Oak Hills United Methodist Church, Cincinnati | Free school supplies while available; review the current local event listing before traveling. | Current listing | Source for Oak Hills United Methodist Church Giveaway |
| 12:00–2:00 PM | Cincinnati | Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Seymour AvenueBoost Mobile, 1844 Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237 | Boost Mobile, 1844 Seymour Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45237 | One free backpack per student, no purchase necessary, while supplies last. Student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. | Current listing | Source for Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Seymour Avenue |
| 12:00 PM | Cincinnati | Kenwood Back-to-School Movie MatineeKenwood area, Cincinnati | Kenwood area, Cincinnati | Back-to-school community event with school-supply distribution; quantities and admission details may be limited. | Current listing | Source for Kenwood Back-to-School Movie Matinee |
| 12:00–3:00 PM | Columbus | KidsLinked Columbus Back-to-School Bash & FamJamJefferson Historic District, 65 Jefferson Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 | Jefferson Historic District, 65 Jefferson Ave., Columbus, OH 43215 | Free school supplies for early attendees, with a stated limit of two per family, plus family activities and resources. Advance registration is recommended. | Current listing | Source for KidsLinked Columbus Back-to-School Bash & FamJam |
| 1:00 PM | Cincinnati | A Day of Blessing School-Supply GiveawayCorinthian Baptist Church, Cincinnati | Corinthian Baptist Church, Cincinnati | Free school supplies and family activities while supplies last. | Current listing | Source for A Day of Blessing School-Supply Giveaway |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Cleveland Heights | Power of 3 Back-to-School EventCH-UH Public Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH | CH-UH Public Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH | Back-to-school supplies and community activities. Confirm eligibility and quantity limits with the organizer. | Current listing | Source for Power of 3 Back-to-School Event |
| 1:00–3:00 PM | Dayton | Dayton Dream Center Back 2 School BashDayton Dream Center, Dayton | Dayton Dream Center, Dayton | School-supply giveaway listed in the Kettering City Schools community resource guide. | Current listing | Source for Dayton Dream Center Back 2 School Bash |
| 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Harrison Township | Harrison Township Back 2 School BashHarrison Township Community Center, Dayton area | Harrison Township Community Center, Dayton area | School-supply giveaway and community event listed in the Kettering City Schools resource guide. | Current listing | Source for Harrison Township Back 2 School Bash |
| 12:00–6:00 PM | Columbus | All Star Academy Open House & Back-to-School Bash2300 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus, OH | 2300 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus, OH | Public event listing describes a back-to-school bash and backpack availability after the bus tour, while supplies last. Reconfirm directly before travel. | Verify | Source for All Star Academy Open House & Back-to-School Bash |
| 12:00–4:00 PM | Reynoldsburg | Kidz On The BLOK Back-to-School BashHuber Park, 1520 Davidson Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 | Huber Park, 1520 Davidson Drive, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 | Large community event serving 500-plus students and families. The public listing states that backpacks and school supplies are available; child-presence and supply limits should be reconfirmed. | Verify | Source for Kidz On The BLOK Back-to-School Bash |
| 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Lewis Center | Supplies for Scholars – Glen OakGlen Oak Elementary, Lewis Center | Glen Oak Elementary, Lewis Center | Free school supplies for eligible Delaware County students; confirm registration details with the organizer. | Current listing | Source for Supplies for Scholars – Glen Oak |
| 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Loudonville | Loudonville-Perrysville School-Supply GiveawayLoudonville High School, Loudonville, OH | Loudonville High School, Loudonville, OH | Grade-specific school supplies for district students, including a calculator for seventh-grade students, while supplies last. | Confirmed | Source for Loudonville-Perrysville School-Supply Giveaway |
| 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Blue Ash | Matthew 25: Ministries Back-to-School Distribution11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 | 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 | Drive-through lunch and backpack/school-supply distribution. Students and teachers must be present; teachers should bring school ID. | Confirmed | Source for Matthew 25: Ministries Back-to-School Distribution |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Delaware | Supplies for Scholars – WoodwardWoodward Elementary, Delaware | Woodward Elementary, Delaware | Free school supplies for eligible Delaware County students; confirm registration details with the organizer. | Current listing | Source for Supplies for Scholars – Woodward |
| 6:00–8:00 PM | Fairfield | New Heights Church Backpack GiveawayNew Heights Church, Fairfield, OH | New Heights Church, Fairfield, OH | Free backpacks filled with school supplies while supplies last, plus clothing distribution. | Current listing | Source for New Heights Church Backpack Giveaway |
| 2:00–4:00 PM | Cleveland | Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Superior AvenueBoost Mobile, 10933 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 | Boost Mobile, 10933 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 | One free backpack per student, no purchase necessary, while supplies last. Student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. | Current listing | Source for Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Superior Avenue |
| 4:00–7:00 PM | Salem | Brightside Project Backpacks for Kids1909 N. Ellsworth Ave., Salem, OH 44460 | 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave., Salem, OH 44460 | Backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for eligible preschool–grade 12 students in Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County. Proof of residency required; no preregistration. | Confirmed | Source for Brightside Project Backpacks for Kids |
| 3:00–5:00 PM | Cincinnati | Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Montgomery RoadBoost Mobile, 4103 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45212 | Boost Mobile, 4103 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45212 | One free backpack per student, no purchase necessary, while supplies last. Student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. | Current listing | Source for Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Montgomery Road |
| 3:00–5:00 PM | Ontario | Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – OntarioBoost Mobile, 2164 Walker Lake Road, Ontario, OH 44903 | Boost Mobile, 2164 Walker Lake Road, Ontario, OH 44903 | One free backpack per student, no purchase necessary, while supplies last. Student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. | Current listing | Source for Boost Mobile Free Backpack Giveaway – Ontario |
| 8:30 AM–3:00 PM | Cincinnati area | The HealthCare Connection Community DayLincoln Heights / Mt. Healthy area | Lincoln Heights / Mt. Healthy area | Free backpack with supplies, activities and a bicycle drawing. Call the organizer to schedule the required appointment and confirm the service location. | Current listing | Source for The HealthCare Connection Community Day |
| 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Cleveland | Cleveland Back-to-School FestivalCleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, OH | Cleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, OH | School supplies, books, haircuts and wellness resources. Review the district announcement for current participation details. | Current listing | Source for Cleveland Back-to-School Festival |
| 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Powell | KidsLinked Powell Back-to-School BashOlentangy Liberty School, 7940 Liberty Road N., Powell, OH 43065 | Olentangy Liberty School, 7940 Liberty Road N., Powell, OH 43065 | Free back-to-school supplies for the first 200, limit two per family. General entry begins at 10:00 AM; earlier entry categories and activities are described on the organizer listing. | Current listing | Source for KidsLinked Powell Back-to-School Bash |
| 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Cincinnati | Hamilton County Back-to-School Resource FairHamilton County ESC, 11083 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45231 | Hamilton County ESC, 11083 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45231 | Free backpacks, school supplies, screenings, resources and food for Cincinnati-area students; no registration required. | Confirmed | Source for Hamilton County Back-to-School Resource Fair |
| 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Cincinnati | Rittgers & Rittgers / Nakajima Backpack GiveawayWashington Park, Cincinnati, OH | Washington Park, Cincinnati, OH | 750 backpacks for Cincinnati Public Schools students; no preregistration. Backpacks are distributed while supplies last. | Confirmed | Source for Rittgers & Rittgers / Nakajima Backpack Giveaway |
| 12:00–4:00 PM | Dayton area | Seeds of Faith Community Day & School-Supply GiveawaySeeds of Faith Ministries, Dayton area | Seeds of Faith Ministries, Dayton area | Community day and school-supply giveaway listed by Kettering City Schools. | Current listing | Source for Seeds of Faith Community Day & School-Supply Giveaway |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Cincinnati | Guiding Light Mentoring Back-to-School EventMcKie Recreation Center, 1655 Chase Ave., Cincinnati, OH | McKie Recreation Center, 1655 Chase Ave., Cincinnati, OH | Backpacks, supplies, hygiene items, literacy kits, food and limited haircuts. Free, first come; child must be present. | Confirmed | Source for Guiding Light Mentoring Back-to-School Event |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Cleveland | Launch Into LearningSt. Francis School, 7206 Myron Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 | St. Francis School, 7206 Myron Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103 | Free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, plus produce, books, food, haircuts, braids and family resources. | Current listing | Source for Launch Into Learning |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Finneytown | 521 Skincare Bookbag GiveawayFinneytown, Cincinnati area | Finneytown, Cincinnati area | Free bookbags and school supplies plus a community barbecue, while supplies last. | Current listing | Source for 521 Skincare Bookbag Giveaway |
| 2:00–6:00 PM | Dayton | DCDC Community Daze & School-Supply GiveawayDayton | Dayton | Community event and school-supply giveaway listed by Kettering City Schools. | Current listing | Source for DCDC Community Daze & School-Supply Giveaway |
| 3:00–8:00 PM | Cincinnati | Youth Back-to-School Block Party1337 California Ave., Cincinnati, OH | 1337 California Ave., Cincinnati, OH | School supplies and youth activities; quantities may be limited. | Current listing | Source for Youth Back-to-School Block Party |
| 4:00–6:00 PM | Ashtabula | Ashtabula Back-to-School BashLakeside High School Football Stadium, 6600 Sanborn Road, Ashtabula, OH | Lakeside High School Football Stadium, 6600 Sanborn Road, Ashtabula, OH | Free community back-to-school event with prizes and raffles. The official school notice confirms Monday, August 10; confirm the exact supply package before travel. | Verify | Source for Ashtabula Back-to-School Bash |
| Time not posted | Cleveland | Cuyahoga County Family Fun DayPublic Square, Cleveland, OH | Public Square, Cleveland, OH | A current regional roundup lists school-supply distribution. Time and eligibility details should be confirmed with the organizer. | Verify | Source for Cuyahoga County Family Fun Day |
| 5:00–7:30 PM | Cincinnati | Haddon Hall Bookbag GiveawayAvondale, Cincinnati | Avondale, Cincinnati | 200 free backpacks plus haircuts, braids, food and drinks, while supplies last. | Current listing | Source for Haddon Hall Bookbag Giveaway |
| 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Dublin | One Dublin Back-to-School DistributionEmerald Campus, 5175 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, OH | Emerald Campus, 5175 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, OH | Free backpacks and school supplies for eligible Dublin City Schools K–12 students and eligible preschool students. Registration required. | Confirmed | Source for One Dublin Back-to-School Distribution |
| 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Columbus | Columbus City Schools Back-to-School Resource FairFort Hayes Campus, Columbus, OH | Fort Hayes Campus, Columbus, OH | Free backpacks, books and school supplies plus resources from more than 100 community partners. Registration is available. | Confirmed | Source for Columbus City Schools Back-to-School Resource Fair |
| 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Central Ohio | Driven Foundation Back-to-School GivebackCentral Ohio venue; see organizer page for final location | Central Ohio venue; see organizer page for final location | Backpacks, school supplies, wellness items and barbecue for approximately 400 elementary and middle-school students. | Confirmed | Source for Driven Foundation Back-to-School Giveback |
| Morning; exact time not posted | Cleveland | Esperanza Back-to-School CelebrationClark-Fulton area, Cleveland; final site to be confirmed | Clark-Fulton area, Cleveland; final site to be confirmed | Annual celebration advertises free backpacks, supplies, resources and activities. Confirm the final time and location directly. | Verify | Source for Esperanza Back-to-School Celebration |
| 1:00–4:00 PM | Troy | Lincoln Community Center Back-to-School BashLincoln Community Center, 110 Ash St., Troy, OH | Lincoln Community Center, 110 Ash St., Troy, OH | Free bookbags, shoes and haircuts for local students, subject to availability. | Confirmed | Source for Lincoln Community Center Back-to-School Bash |
| 3:00–6:00 PM | Cincinnati | Bramble Park Free Back-to-School BashBramble Park, Cincinnati | Bramble Park, Cincinnati | Free back-to-school event; registration is required through the organizer listing. | Current listing | Source for Bramble Park Free Back-to-School Bash |
| 2:00–6:00 PM | Huber Heights | Kiwanis Club of Huber Heights Back-to-School BashHuber Heights area | Huber Heights area | School-supply giveaway and community event listed by Kettering City Schools; confirm the final venue. | Current listing | Source for Kiwanis Club of Huber Heights Back-to-School Bash |
Confirmed official primary source
Current listing current organizer listing, resource guide or roundup
Verify incomplete, indirect or public listing
Undated or application-based programs
Active 2026 programs without a standard public walk-up distribution date.
July 28 validation changes
- Removed eight events completed between July 21 and July 27, including the statewide TCC and Wireless Zone giveaways.
- Added nine newly located events in Columbus, Cincinnati, Reynoldsburg, Cleveland, Ontario and Powell.
- Added four Boost Mobile backpack distributions with one backpack per student, no purchase necessary, while supplies last.
- Added KidsLinked events in North Columbus, downtown Columbus and Powell, with supply quantities and family limits stated on the organizer listings.
- Added the Reynoldsburg Kidz On The BLOK event as “Verify” because the public page is primarily a vendor-registration page, although its event details describe backpacks and school supplies.
- Removed the Warren County application program from the active undated section because its undisclosed Saturday-in-July pickup window has passed.
- Retained conservative “Current listing” and “Verify” labels where a reproducible official primary-source confirmation was not available.