KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Families across East Tennessee are getting ready for the next school year. Some are shopping for backpacks, pencils and other kinds of school supplies. Others are looking for books and study materials.
In Knox County, the first day for students is scheduled for Aug. 8. In Blount County, students will go to school on Aug. 1, while students in Sevier County will return to class on Aug. 9. Hamblen County Schools will welcome students back on Aug. 3.
Ahead of the first day of class, families can grab some free school supplies from one of many events across the region. A list of those events and information about them is available below.
School Supplies Giveaways
Annual Back to School Bash — Knoxville (July 29, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.): This event will happen at 5034 N. Broadway and coincides with the state's tax-free holiday. Here, families will be able to find supplies while also having fun!
Back to School Drive at West End Church of Christ — Knoxville (July 21, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.): The West End Church of Christ is expected to host a back-to-school drive offering families free school supplies. People can call 865-693-0801 for more information about the event.
SchoolMania — Knoxville (July 28, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.): This annual event is hosted by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and provides students between preschool to 12th grade with free school supplies. It will be in the parking lot of the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park.
Back to School Bash — Oak Ridge (July 29, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.): This event will include a food truck, ice cream, kickball, tug-of-war, cornhole, volleyball and more. It will be at Blankenship Field located at 213 Broadway Ave. in Oak Ridge.
500 Free Backpacks — Knoxville (July 22, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.): This event by Forward Knoxville Church will be located at 1520 Willoughby Road in Knoxville. Families can walk through when they check in and register, then grab a backpack and be on their way. Children will need to be present for a backpack.
Back to School Bash with Christ United Methodist Church — Knoxville (July 30, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.): This event by Christ United Methodist Church will be at 7535 Maynardville Pike. Families will be able to get free school supplies and haircuts for their children. They will also be able to get Kona Ice treats.
Helping Hands with Revolution Church — Greenback (July 22): This event, hosted by Revolution Church, will give students free tennis shoes and backpacks filled with school supplies. They will also get new underwear, new socks and a hygiene kit. Children will also be able to get a haircut, and families will be able to grab a meal box. The event is specifically for Greenback School Students and registration is required. More information can be found on the event's website.
Shoes for School 2023 — Knoxville (Aug. 5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.): This annual event aims to help thousands of children get ready for school. It will be at Caswell Park and volunteers will giveaway both school supplies and new shoes. This will be the 21st anniversary of the event.
The 2023 Great Shoe Give-Away — Knoxville (July 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): The North Knoxville Baptist Church is hosting a giveaway, making sure children can get shoes of all sizes. They are also giving away 200 drawstring sport-packs with basic school supplies. The event will be at 217 W Oldham Ave.
KCS Free Dental Screenings and School Supplies — Knoxville (July 17, July 18 and July 19, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Knox County Schools said they are taking a mobile unit to different locations, giving students free dental screenings and school supplies. On July 17, it will be at 4600 Asheville Highways. On July 18, it will be at 1400 Dutch Valley Drive. Then, on July 19, it will be at 10857 Hardin Valley Road.
Back to School Bash with Washington Pike Church — Knoxville (July 22, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Washington Pike Church will host a Back to School Bash event offering backpacks filled with school supplies. They will also be giving families and snow cones while also offering games and inflatables for families to enjoy. It will be at 1700 Washington Pike.
Back to School Backpack Giveaway with Lakeview Baptist Church — Rockford (July 26, July 27, July 30): Lakeside Baptist Church at 4905 Old Knoxville Hwy. said they were hosting a giveaway for backpacks. Children will be able to pick out their own backpack and fill it with school supplies. It will be from 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on July 26, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on July 27 and 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. on July 30.
East Knox County Back to School Bash — Mascot (July 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.): Families can stop by East Knox County Elementary School to pick up some school supplies, helping them stay prepared for school. There will also be haircuts available, along with face painting, food, games and family photo opportunities.
Knox Pride School Supply Drive — Knoxville (Aug. 2): Knox Pride said they were collecting school supplies during the last few weeks of July for a school supply giveaway on Aug. 2 at the Pride Center. They said people could give donations at South Press, at the Pride Center, or by shopping through Knox Pride's Amazon wishlist. The Pride Center is located at 4044A Chapman Hwy.
This story will be updated as WBIR learns about more events.