Several community organizations are offering back-to-school giveaways. Some are focused on providing supplies while they last. Some events also offer free or discounted services such as dental cleanings and health screenings.
Cambridge City
A supply distribution is planned at the Back to School Bash from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Cambridge City Christian Church, 106 W. Church St. Families can find free games, bounce houses, clothes, food and vehicles to explore. cccc@4c.church or 765-478-5123
Richmond
Blast from the Past
Sponsors are providing backpacks and supplies at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, at Blast from The Past/Retro Rush Arcade, 100 N. Ninth St., while supplies last. 765-373-3371
Cordell Municipal Pool
While no supplies will be given at the Back to School Splash Bash from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at 9 SW 13th St., those who donate a new supply will receive $1 off admission, which is $8/adult and $5/ages 3-17. Games, music and prizes are planned. 765-983-7292
Excel Center
The Excel Center is giving supplies to the public from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at 1215 S. J St., Richmond. Visitors can learn about various resources at the adult high school, where anyone 16 and older can go back to school and earn their high school diploma at no charge. Excel also offers free daycare as well as industry-recognized certification classes and college credit at no cost to students. 317-524-3734 or excelcenter.org
Meridian Health Services
Another free Back-to-School Fit Fair is taking place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Richmond High School, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond.
All ages can receive free health screenings and dental cleanings from Meridian. No appointment is required for $10 sports physicals. Wayne County Health Department offers low-cost immunizations.
Backpacks, school supplies, food and drinks will be given. meridianhs.org or 866-306-2647
New Deliverance
Free clothing, meals and supplies will be available from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at New Deliverance Temple Ministries International, 1403 S. Ninth St., Richmond. Barbers and hairdressers will be on site. 765-960-5192
Road Runners
Motorcyclists are providing supplies for grades K-12 at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, Elstro Plaza, 47 N. Eighth St., Richmond. 765-869-8205
Southview Nazarene
Free food, snow cones, prizes and inflatables are offered at this Back to School Block Party from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2061 S. J St., Richmond. Park at 2000 S. L St. 765-962-1738
Surety Community Church
Community Day from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at 131 S. 18th St. offers 500 filled backpacks, games, slushies and ice cream, face painting, a fire truck and police car to explore, bounce houses, and T-shirts. 765-488-2180
TCC
Children can get a free backpack at Verizon authorized retailers at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at 3639 E. Main St., Richmond. 765-966-0800
Ongoing
Communities in Schools
Children attending Centerville, Nettle Creek or Northeastern schools can receive free academic supplies, personal care products, clothing, food and connections to various social services.
Families can contact their child’s school to request a connection with a site coordinator serving their building. 765-983-2263 or visit ciswayneco.org
RE Hub
East Central Indiana RE Hub at 262 Fort Wayne Ave. in Richmond offers reusable school and office supplies that have been donated to keep them out of landfills. Shoppers are to weigh their selections and are encouraged to make a donation to help fund RE Hub’s expenses.
The RE Hub also accepts many kinds of packaging for food and personal care products that can’t be recycled through curbside collections.
Hours are 1-6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
A version of this article appeared in the July 22 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.