School will be starting before we know it, and that means now is the time to get school supplies. However, those supplies can get expensive, especially if you have more than one child. Luckily, there are plenty of back-to-school giveaways planned around the county.

Gotcha’ Back School Kickoff

This will be the 16th annual Gotcha’ Back School Kickoff hosted by the GroupTheory Inc. This will be a full day of activities for the entire family featuring community resources. This is an Entrepreneur Fair featuring up and coming youth business owners and local entrepreneurs who will lead a Teen Forum sharing information about various topics to round out
the day.

This is free to students and there will be prizes, including their annual Girl and Boy Bike Giveaway. Students must be present to receive backpacks and supplies. This event will take place on Aug. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Crown Complex.

Back to School Zumbathon

This event at Spa Fitness & Wellness Center will be a free event that will be open to the public.  Zumba instructors will be giving free lessons in exchange for getting backpacks and school supplies for 71st Classical. This event will take place on Aug. 5 and will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Operation Back to School Backpack Giveaway

Join SGT Mike and Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program in their annual back-to-school backpack giveaway. This giveaway will take place at Woodland Park on Fort Liberty at 10 a.m. on Aug. 5.  Backpacks are limited, so registration is required. To register visit www.FortLibertyACSFAP.TimeTap.com If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the rain check date is scheduled for Aug. 12 at 10 a.m.

Fayetteville Woodpeckers

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are hosting a Back to School Bash at Segra Stadium on Aug. 11. There will be free school supplies, clothing, shoes and books. Plus, there will be food and other fun activities.
This event is first come, first serve, up to 1,500 students. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m.

For those wanting to contribute, the Woodpeckers will be accepting school supply donations through Aug. 6. You can drop off supplies at their front office, or at the Guest Services table during a game.

Back to School Carnival

Second Saturday will be hosting a back to school carnival at East Hoke Middle. There will be food trucks, carnival games, activities, more than 45 vendors, and school supply giveaways.
Some of the activities will include face painting, free balloon animals, a clown, fairy hair, and a martial arts performance at 1 p.m. This event will take place on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Hoke Middle School Field.

Back to School Bash

Kraken-Skulls will be hosting their Back to School Bash on Aug. 19. They will be giving away school supplies to students, and there will also be entertainment, vendors, free food, door prizes and more.
The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at 822 Shannon Drive. People can also drop off school supplies at Kraken-Skulls until Aug. 18.
More information about the event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/628278692518213

Military Back to School Bash

The Fayetteville LINK, together with the Vet Center, the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone, Veterans Bridge Home, DOD Suicide Prevention Team and the Fayetteville VA Suicide Prevention Team will be hosting their Back to School Bash in Hope Mills.

Service members, veterans and families are welcome to attend. There will be school supplies, food, games and fun. This event is for military-affiliated families. Giveaways are for school-aged children. Students must be present for the giveaways.

This event will take place on Aug. 19 at Hope Mills Municipal Park. For those who want to donate supplies, they will be accepted until Aug. 4 at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic or at the Vet Center.
More information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-bash-tickets-639366200517

Back to School Event

ROOTS Mentoring will be having a Back to School event on Aug. 19. There will be giveaways, music, games and $10 haircuts. The event will take place at 6411 Camden Road #107 from 1 to 4 p.m.

They are accepting donations at Sharpe Line Barbershop. ROOTS is a nonprofit, created to serve “at-promise” youth encompassing elementary to high school aged students.

Fascinate-U Back to School Bash

This fun-filled event on Aug. 19 from 12 to 4 p.m. is designed to help kids kick off the school year in style. With plenty of activities, games and crafts to enjoy, there's something for everyone. Plus, every child will receive free school supplies to help them get ready for the new academic year.

This year’s theme is “When I grow up” and children are encouraged to wear their favorite job’s outfit/uniform. Fascinate-U Children's Museum is located at 116 Green Street in Fayetteville. For more information call 910-829-9171 or email info@fascinate-u.com

Second Annual Back to School Drive

Red Coast Design Studio is hosting their second annual back to school drive. Come out and start the school year out with the community. There will be free backpacks, school supplies, food, face painting and free haircuts by Cut My City Organization.
This event will take place on Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7707 S. Raeford Road, Suite 109.

Bookbag Giveaway

U & I Youth Development Program will be having their ninth Annual Bookbag Giveaway on Aug. 26 at 500 Fisher Street at 10 a.m. They will be giving out stuffed backpacks filled with school supplies.
They are currently accepting supply donations up until Aug. 24. Supplies needed include pencils, pens, notebooks, calculators, backpacks, Clorox wipes, highlighters, dry erase markers and more.
Donations can be dropped off at 402 East Russell Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 910-257-5748.

B2S Jamboree

Get ready to groove at WCCG 104.5 FM’s epic B2S (Back To School) Jamboree on Aug. 26 at the JD Fuller Athletic Complex, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Make sure your little ones are there at 10 a.m. sharp to grab their free backpacks loaded with school supplies. The child must be present to claim the supplies. There will also be free food, dodgeball, educational resources from Cumberland County School’s Prime Time and Giving Back Warm Hugs.