Updated: Here’s where to find school supply giveaways in Modesto
With the new school year just around the corner, Modesto families can find help through upcoming school supply giveaways and donation drives. From backpacks to shoes, local organizations are making sure kids have a strong start to the school year. Here is some of what’s offered:
Love Our Kids backpack drive:
Love Our Kids, a program of Love Stanislaus County, is collecting new backpacks through Aug. 1. They will be used for comfort kits, according to an Instagram post by Love Stanislaus County. Donations should be taken to the Love Stanislaus County office, 909 14th St., Modesto, Mondays through Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. “Thank you for caring about children in foster care in our community!” the post reads.
Modesto City Schools: Jubilee Family Fun Night Friday:
The school district will host the Jubilee Family Fun Night on Friday, July 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will provide family activities, free food, community resources and free backpacks for students enrolled in first to eighth grade. The event is hosted in partnership with over 50 community organizations, law enforcement and local colleges at the Apostolic Jubilee Center, 821 Lassen Ave.
Kids Connect Community Celebration:
This seventh annual event presented by the Stanislaus County Department of Child Support Services will be held Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Modesto Junior College East Campus, 435 College Ave. It will include entertainment, community resources and a backpack distribution. The backpacks will be given out on a first-come basis, and children must be present to receive one. Partners in the event include United Way Stanislaus County, MJC and first 5 Stanislaus.
Modesto Gospel Mission: Kicks for Kids:
Modesto Gospel Mission will be giving out Kicks for Kids on Saturday, July 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at 1400 Yosemite Blvd. The event will include free backpacks, school supplies and shoes for students in elementary, middle and high schools. For more information, visit www.mymission.org/donate.
Century 21 Select Real Estate and Sierra Vista Child & Family Services backpack drive:
Century 21 Select Real Estate is partnering with Sierra Vista Child & Family Services to host a backpack drive and giveaway. The distribution will be Saturday, Aug. 2, from noon to 3 p.m. at 605 Standiford Ave. It will include shaved ice, music, games, face painting, a bounce house and food. The organizations will accept backpack and school supply donations through Aug. 1.
West Modesto Community Collaborative Back to School Health and Resource Fair:
The West Modesto Community Collaborative will host a Back to School Health and Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. In addition to backpack and school supply giveaways, the event will include live music, immunizations, health screenings, resources and games. The fair will be at the organization’s center, 601 S. Martin Luther King Drive. Vendors can register by calling 209-522-6902 or emailing rperales@westmodestocollaborative.com.
Hope in Action Back to School Bash:
The Red Shield Community Center and Convoy of Hope will hold the event Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Red Shield. 1649 Las Vegas St. It will offer free groceries, shoes, socks, T-shirts, backpacks and school supplies on a first-come basis while supplies last. There also will be women’s health services and a kids zone. To learn more, call 209-538-7111 or email maria.arellano@usw.salvationarmy.org.
This story was originally published July 18, 2025 at 4:37 PM.