Back to School Events in Central KY

YMCA Back to School Rallies
August 2, 2025

The rallies provide elementary, middle and high school students with free full-size backpacks and school supplies. Each site distributes supplies for all grade levels. The Back to School Rallies is an initiative of the Y, which has served as the central coordinator of this event since 2011. Since that time, more than 52,000 backpacks have been given out to children in Central Kentucky communities.

North Lexington Family YMCA (381 West Loudon Ave, 40508)

Russell Cave Church of Christ (1841 McCullough Drive, 40511)

Shiloh Baptist Church (237 E. Fifth Street, 40508)

Tates Creek Community Center (3460 Campus Way, 40517)

Valley Park (2077 Cambridge Drive, 40504)

Note: they will have a site in Jessamine County and support Frankfort students as well.

Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
Back to School Bash
July 26, 2025
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Free
Students will receive a backpack with supplies and a free book.

Back to School Bash for Single Parent Families

You’re Invited! Join us for our Back-to-School Bash—a fun-filled day just for single moms and their kids! Get ready for free haircuts & eye exams, backpacks & school supplies, $5-or-less school shopping, games, prizes, and community resources to help your family thrive this school year. Food truck and fun games. Don’t miss this chance to gear up, connect, and celebrate! RSVP at the link. Child must be registered to receive backpack and school supplies.**

Back to School Shoe Giveaway

DCBS Back to School
Get ready for the Southern Bluegrass Service Region’s Community Back-to-School event! Join us this Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Immanuel Baptist Church, 2261 Armstrong Mill Road, Lexington, for free snacks, fun activities, and back-to-school gear — while supplies last! (Youth must be present to receive supplies).

Guests will also have the chance to connect with local community partners and discover valuable resources to help you kick off the school year on the right foot.

This event is open to families across Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, and Powell counties. Bring your friends, your energy, and your school spirit — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Gardenside Christian Church BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!
Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Inflatables, Food, Live Music and MORE! You don’t want to miss this!!
Saturday, August 23rd 5-8 pm

Gardenside Christian Church
940 Holly Springs Drive
Lexington 40504

Local School Supply Drives to Donate Supplies

FCPS Stuff the Bus

Fayette County Public Schools and Cumulus Radio organize this annual event to support students who need assistance gathering the basics for class.

You have several ways to give:

Buy new supplies and drop them off between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at Paul Miller Mazda (965 E. New Circle Road).
Drop off supplies at any UK Federal Credit Union location, the Lexington Sport Club soccer game on Aug. 9, or at Revive Chiropractic Center.
Donate online through the Fayette Education Foundation. With a $20 gift, one student will receive a backpack and supplies.
Use this Amazon wish list to purchase school supplies shipped directly to the Stuff the Bus program at FCPS.

Common Needs

Backpacks (no wheels)
Composition notebooks
Colored markers
Colored pencils
Disinfectant wipes
Dry-erase markers
Earbuds and headphones
Graphing paper (notebook)
Pencil boxes or pouches
Post-it Notes (standard size)
Spiral notebooks
Tissues
Two-pocket folders (plastic)

Back-to-School Supply Drive
Help KVC Kentucky give every child a strong start to the 2025-2026 school year. By filling a new backpack with essential school supplies, you help build confidence and create positive memories for a child during a difficult time.

Donation Drop-Off Locations and Hours
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout July until August 1.

📍 KVC Kentucky – Lexington Office
2250 Thunderstick Drive, Suite 1104
Lexington, KY 40505