It’s that time again, the start of the new school year is getting closer and closer.
Most schools in Broome County will begin classes on September 4 or 5 this year.
As families in the Binghamton area prepare for school, here are some places to find free school supplies, backpacks, clothing and haircuts.
Backpack and pizza gift
15 August: The Broome County District Attorney’s Office will be distributing school bags and pizza from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
East Side Block Party
17 August: Fairview United Methodist Church is hosting an East Side Block Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide free clothing and haircuts for the upcoming school year.
Address: 254 Robinson St., Binghamton
Supply donation drive in Chenango Forks
17 August: School bags and school supplies will be distributed from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Fenton United Methodist Church.
Address: 5984 State Route 79, Chenango Forks
Family Fun Night at CFJ Park
21 August: The Prevention Coalition of Broome County and BC Safe are hosting a family fun night at CFJ Park. Families will receive snacks, information on community resources and 400 school bags to give away. Children must be present to receive a school bag. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. In case of rain, August 22 is planned as an alternate date.
Backpack drives
CARES Advocates for Families will organize a series of collection campaigns for school bags:
22 August: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Saratoga Community Center
23 August: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Walnut Street Park
24 August: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cheri Lindsey Park
AnnaBelle Memorial Ice Cream Meetup
24 August: Boulevard United Methodist Church will host its annual AnnaBelle Memorial Ice Cream Social and school supply distribution this afternoon at 113 Grand Blvd. in Binghamton. Get free school supplies, get a free haircut and enjoy a variety of free gifts. Children must audition to receive school supplies.
Sneaker gift for the start of school
24 August: Start the school year off with a new pair of shoes. United Way of Broome County is giving away back-to-school sneakers from 10 a.m. to noon. Sneakers are available in toddler, middle school, high school and adult sizes. One pair per child. An adult must be present to receive a pair.
Address: 101 South Jensen Road, Vestal
Fun day for the whole family at Tracy Creek
24 August: Tracy Creek Memorial Church in Vestal is hosting a family fun day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where the first 100 children will receive school bags and school supplies. If you miss the handout, stop by and enjoy the bounce houses, water features, plunge pools and food.
Where can I donate school supplies in Binghamton?
Looking for a way to support surrounding classrooms and students? Here are some school drives seeking donations for the upcoming school year.
The Binghamton Rumble Ponies have partnered with Broome County School Bus Stop-Arm Safety and are accepting donations at select locations. Each person who donates will receive a coupon for a special “Buy One, Get One” ticket offer for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies game against the Reading Fightin Phils at Mirabito Stadium on Saturday, August 24th at 6:07 p.m. For more information, email the Rumble Ponies administrative offices at [email protected] or call 607-722-3866. Donations are being accepted here:
- Verizon Wireless – 601-635 Harry L Drive, Johnson City (inside Oakdale Commons)
- Verizon Wireless – 3951 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal
- Mirabito Energy Products – 879-891 Upper Front St., Binghamton (next to SUNY Broome)
- Mirabito Energy Products – 215 Clinton St., Binghamton
- Mirabito Energy Products – 33 S Washington St., Binghamton Township
- Staples – 3701 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal
