TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) — Summer is almost over, with the back-to-school season approaching around the Big Bend and South Georgia. WTXL ABC 27 has compiled a list of giveaways, drives, and community events to support local families and ensure a successful 2026-2027 school year.
From July 20th to August 20th, Florida families will also have the opportunity to save on school supplies. Parents, will not pay sales tax on clothing or backpacks under 100 dollars. School supplies under $50 will also be tax-free. You can also receive a discount on computers under $1500 dollars.
The list will continue to update as we learn more.
BIG BEND
LEON COUNTY
- Commissioner Caban's Third Annual Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway Friday, Aug. 7th from 5:30 – 7 p.m. (or until supplies run out) J. Lewis Hall Senior Park, 1492 J Lewis Hall Sr Ln, Tallahassee, FL 32305 Free food, backpacks, and school supplies.
- Whole Child Leon's 5th Annual Jumpstart 2 Success event is Saturday, August 8th, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lively Technical College. The event offers free backpacks, school supplies, dental and vision screenings, immunizations, games, and more.
- 5th Annual Jumpstart-2-Success: August 8th from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Lively Technical College. There will be free school supplies, backpacks, books, and more up for grabs. There will also be free haircuts and braiding, as well as vision screenings and more.
- The Ultimate Community Back-to-School Tailgate: August 8th from 9:00 a.m.-Noon at New Mount Zion AME. There will be school supplies, food, live music, and more.
- Milk Me Treats' 4th Annual Packs 4 Success Back to School Drive is Saturday, August 8th, beginning at 10 a.m. at Restoration Place, off N. Monroe St. The event offers free backpacks with supplies, haircuts and styles, community resources, games, and activities.
- The KidsStreet Urgent Care Back to School Bash is Saturday, August 8th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 2615 N. Monroe St., Suite 1B. The event will offer 300 backpacks filled with school supplies, giveaways, a bounce house, face painting, activities, and more..
GADSDEN COUNTY
- 15th Annual Back to School Community Resource Fair. On Sunday, August 9th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Old Havana Northside High School, off Carver Ave., Havana. The event is hosted by Commissioner Eric Hinson and is open to families and businesses. Attendees can expect school supplies, toiletries, food gift cards, and technology giveaways, along with health screenings, free haircuts, food, drinks, games, and local community resources.
WAKULLA COUNTY
16th Annual FRESH Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway. Be A Hero to Our Heroes, Inc. is distributing free backpacks filled with school supplies to Wakulla County students at multiple locations throughout July and August.
On-site distribution:
Wakulla County Community Center, 318 Shadeville Road, Crawfordville — Saturday, August 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The August 8th event also includes community resources, vendors, free haircuts, clothing assistance, and lunch.
SOUTH GEORGIA
LOWNDES COUNTY
- The Lowndes County Health Department is hosting a Back to School Bash at 206 S. Patterson St., 1st Floor, Valdosta. The event runs July 27th–31st and August 3rd–7th, 2026. Walk-in patients are welcome. No appointment is needed. Services include TDAP, Meningitis, Meningitis B, HPV 3231, EEDN (Form 3300), and Form 3231. Insurance may cover certain services. Standard clinic fees will apply if not covered. For more information, call (229) 333-5257.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
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