School supplies, backpacks, haircuts and free health exams in the Champaign-Urbana area

Back to school can be expensive – area organizations and businesses are here to help families with school year needs

The list grows every year. Back-to-school haircuts, growing school supply lists, kids’ school fees, new shoes and more…this might be one of the busiest times. dearest of the year to be a parent. Fortunately, we have area partners coming together to support families in the Champaign-Urbana area during the back-to-school season.

Need school supplies? Many organizations and churches in the area hold backpack and supply drives (sometimes given out together, sometimes separately). Sometimes these are handed out directly to the school, so if you’re having trouble finding an event to register for, you can contact your child’s school directly and see if they have any donations available for that school year. .

To note: Chambanamoms.com is not a sponsor of the events listed below. All events have limited supplies or appointments available; please inquire with the organization or plan to get to these events early. We are not responsible for last-minute changes or updates to back-to-school events and activities listed in this article.

Events offering free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts or health checks this year

Back to school BBQ

When: 08/06/2022, 16:00 – 20:00
Where: Prairie Fields Park, 200 Prairie Rose Lane, Savoie
Details: The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Back-to-School BBQ on August 6 from 4-8 p.m. at Prairie Fields Park in Savoie. There will be free food, entertainment and a giveaway of school supplies.

Back-to-school competition for students in Unit 4

When: 08/09/2022, 11:00 – 13:00
Where: Marketplace Mall, 2000 N. Neil Street, Champaign
Details: Head to the Market Place Mall on August 9 for a back-to-school gift! Free school supplies for students registered in Unit 4, first come, first served. Market Place Mall August 9, 2022 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call 217-351-3701.

Back-to-school competition for students in unit 4

When: 08/09/2022, 16:00 – 19:00
Where: Marketplace Mall, 2000 N. Neil Street, Champaign
Details: Head to the Market Place Mall on August 9 for a back-to-school gift! Free school supplies for students registered in Unit 4, first come, first served. Market Place Mall August 9, 2022 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, call 217-351-3701.

Back to school

When: 08/13/2022, 11:00 – 13:00
Where: AMBUCS Park, 1100 Block of East University Avenue, Urbana
Details: The community is invited to a back-to-school party, with a giveaway of school supplies. Enjoy a complimentary hot dog, fries, popcorn, snow cone and drink. There will also be inflatable structures, carnival games and face painting. Firetruck Fun – come see a fire truck up close and get behind the wheel for even more fun.

Be my neighbor party

When: 08/13/2022, 11:00 – 17:00
Where: Douglass Park, 512 E. Grove Street, Champaign
Details: Daniel Tiger would like to meet your family! Come to the Illinois Public Media big tent during Champaign-Urbana Days in Douglass Park on August 13 for the Be My Neighbor Day back-to-school event between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.! Illinois Public Media staff and Head Start partners will provide free dental hygiene kits and socks for kids, and there will be kid-friendly activities to take home. Daniel Tiger will be available at certain times to take pictures with your child. And anyone can practice being a caring neighbor by creating a card for a senior, nurse or teacher. Illinois Public…read more…

Where to donate

Looking for places to donate school supplies?

Creations of Winderson, Muhammad: Bring new or very lightly used backpacks, new school supplies, and new underwear/socks to Winderson (inside Sangamon on Main) to donate to Mom’s Pantry for distribution to schools this year. Donate until August 5.

Are you organizing a free event or a distribution campaign this summer to prepare for the start of the school year?

We want to know! Submit your event here with details.

Check out our back to school series, presented by Christie Clinic: