Several communities across the Lehigh Valley are hosting back-to-school drives to help students and families get the supplies they need for the upcoming school year.
From Allentown to Nazareth, these events offer free backpacks, school materials, and other resources. Here’s a list of upcoming drives and how you can participate or donate.
ALLENTOWN
Allentown School District Back-to-School Bash
Date: Aug. 13, 2025
Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
Location: Cedar Beach Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania
“This event offers an excellent opportunity to kick off the school year as #OneAllentown,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, superintendent. “Families and the community are major levers in impacting student achievement, and this event gives an opportunity to leverage the collective strengths of our entire community to impact the long-term future success of our students. We are excited to provide this opportunity to our students to ensure they have the resources to start the school year successfully, but also excite them to return to school and engage families on a deeper level.”
Allentown Police Department School Supply Drive
Drop-off location: Allentown Police Headquarters, 400 Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The police department is accepting new donations of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other school supplies. The school will distribute the items at the Back-to-School Bash.
The Salvation Army Back-to-School Supply Drive
Drop-off location: Allentown Corps, 144 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania
The Salvation Army is collecting school supplies to support local students.
NextGen Back-to-School Picnic Potluck
Date: Aug. 24, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Grange Park, Pavilion 1, 360 Grange Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania
A community picnic with a potluck lunch. Registration is required to attend.
BETHLEHEM
Central Assembly of God Back-to-School Festival
Date: Aug. 13, 2025
Time: Noon
Location: 1300 Eaton Avenue, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Attendees can enjoy free backpacks with school supplies and activities such as face painting.
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley Back-to-School Kickoff
Date: Aug. 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: 520 E. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
The event will offer free haircuts and styling, a backpack giveaway, and free food and drinks.
Date: Aug. 23, 2025
Time: Noon
Location: Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania
The bash will feature music from DJ Cap Cee and a collection of school supplies for the Whitehall-Coplay School District.
EASTON
Second Annual Back to School Jam
Date: Aug. 17, 2025
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Location: Easton Area Community Center, 901 Washington Street, Easton, Pennsylvania
This event will feature free school supplies, family activities, and community resources.
Community Organizations Back to School Festival
Date: Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 2 to 7 p.m.
Location: 1817 Meadow Lane Drive, Easton, Pennsylvania
This event will offer free school supplies, food, and entertainment for families.
EMMAUS
East Penn School District Education Foundation Supply Drive
Drop-off location: Emmaus Borough Hall
The foundation is collecting donations of school supplies for local students.
NAZARETH
Nazareth Area School District School Supply Drive
Drop-off locations: Nazareth Community Library and Town Hall
The school district is accepting donations of new or gently used school supplies.
Nazareth Area Food Bank School Supply Drive
Location: Nazareth Area Food Bank
The food bank is collecting school supplies for students in need within the Nazareth Area School District.
