Denver Area Free School Supply Giveaways and Back to School Programs.
Denver runs one of the most active back-to-school seasons in Colorado. Each late summer, the city itself, the police department, school districts, and dozens of community organizations put on events that go well beyond pencils and notebooks — many provide backpacks stuffed with grade-specific supplies, free shoes, haircuts, health screenings, and immunizations all in one stop. Most of what's listed here is concentrated between late July and mid-August. This page will help you find school supply giveaways in the Denver area and most of what's listed here is concentrated in late July through mid-August.
In addition to specific Denver County options below we also have events listed in nearby Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Adams County. A handful of programs operate on a year-round or referral basis, so there are options regardless of the season. Registration requirements vary: the largest events typically require nothing at all, while school district programs and some others ask for advance registration or require the child to be present.
- NOTE: For seasonal events especially, dates, locations, and eligibility rules can shift from year to year — always confirm with the organization before making the trip.
Citywide Annual Events
These events are open to Denver-area families regardless of school enrollment and have historically drawn the largest crowds. Supplies go while they last.
Denver's Back to School Fest — City and County of Denver
The city puts on one of the largest free back-to-school events in the metro each August at the National Western Center (4797 National Western Dr.), held as part of the Denver Days initiative. Past events have included free backpacks, school supplies, health and vaccination clinics run by Denver Health and the Denver Department of Public Health, free haircuts, games, and entertainment — all in one location with no registration required. The event has been open to all families regardless of school district. Check https://denvergov.org/Home for the current-year date and any changes. Event timing and scope can vary — confirm details before attending.
Denver Police Department and Kroenke Sports Charities Backpack Giveaway
Each August, the Denver Police Department teams up with the Denver Nuggets organization and Kroenke Sports Charities to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies simultaneously at multiple sites across Denver, typically covering the north, south, northeast, southwest, and central parts of the city. Past events have put over 2,000 filled backpacks into the hands of students in a single day.
- No registration has been required at past events; supplies go while they last at each location. Distribution sites have varied by year — watch local news or the Denver Police Foundation's channels each summer for that year's locations. Site selection and supply quantities can change annually.
Kenzi's Causes — Packz 4 Kidz Denver
Each year in early August, Kenzi's Causes holds its Packz 4 Kidz giveaway at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (2001 Colorado Blvd.). What sets this event apart is that children choose their own backpack from the available selection — the organization specifically encourages kids to attend for that reason. Backpacks come filled with supplies, and water bottles and lunches are also typically distributed. Pre-K through 12th grade are served.
- No pre-registration is required, though an anonymous survey is collected at entry. One visit per family per year across all Packz 4 Kidz locations. Website: https://kenziscauses.org/ — Verify the current year's date and any eligibility updates before attending, as availability is first-come, first-served.
Mile High United Way — Back to School Bash
Mile High United Way collects school supplies through mid-summer and distributes them to Metro Denver students each August at their annual Back to School Bash. Past events have served families with new backpacks, supplies, and community activities. Year-round, families can also call 2-1-1 to be referred to smaller supply programs not listed here. Website: https://unitedwaydenver.org/ — Confirm the current-year event date, as distribution logistics and locations can shift.
Denver Public Schools Families
DPS Foundation — Back to Class Bash
Denver Public Schools runs its own annual late-summer supply event, organized by the DPS Foundation in partnership with the district's Family and Community Engagement office. Past events have operated as free pop-up shops at multiple DPS school sites across the city, distributing backpacks, school supplies, shoes, groceries, and food. DPS students must be present and advance registration has been encouraged at past events. Website: https://www.pinestreetfoundation.org/ — Enrollment in DPS is required; confirm current-year dates and registration requirements through the DPS Foundation website, as locations and event structure have varied.
West and Southwest Denver
Servicios de La Raza
3131 W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 458-5851
Founded in 1972, Servicios de La Raza provides services in both English and Spanish to families throughout west Denver. Their annual late-summer community event has typically included free school supplies, food, and haircuts — a child ID (school ID, birth certificate) or the child being present is generally required. Beyond the seasonal event, Servicios maintains a food pantry and clothing bank that can include school supplies on an ongoing basis. website: https://serviciosdelaraza.org/ — Call ahead to verify the current year's event date and any documentation requirements.
Denver Dream Center — Beats and Sneaks
The Denver Dream Center's annual "Beats and Sneaks" event has grown into one of the more distinctive back-to-school giveaways in the city, now running for over a decade. Held in early August at Paco Sanchez Park in west Denver, the event has historically distributed over 1,000 backpacks and hundreds of pairs of shoes in a single afternoon, along with food boxes and free haircuts on-site. No registration has been required at past events. Families who miss the annual event can also request supplies through the Dream Center's website, and the organization offers year-round after-school programming and tutoring. Website: https://www.denverdreamcenter.org/ — Confirm dates and location each year, as event logistics can shift.
Southwest Denver Coalition — Back to School Resource Fair
This annual event specifically targets families in southwest Denver and has been restricted to students who live in the 80219, 80204, 80223, 80236, and 80227 zip codes. Free backpacks have been distributed while supplies last, with students required to be present. If your family is in those zip codes, this is worth searching for each summer. Location and date vary year to year — search the current year's event name or contact local community centers to confirm it's being held and where.
Catholic Charities of Denver
6240 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80216 | (303) 742-0828
Catholic Charities holds an annual school supply event in late summer and operates a low-cost thrift store with clothing, shoes, and basic household items year-round. Immigrant families and non-English speakers are specifically welcomed, and case management services are available. Call to confirm current school supply program dates and any eligibility requirements.
Northeast Denver
Montbello 2020 — Back to School Event
Each summer, Montbello 2020 hosts its annual back-to-school event for the Montbello neighborhood in far northeast Denver. Past events have included free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, plus food, a kids' activity zone, and prize giveaways. Date, venue, and availability can change year to year — confirm through neighborhood channels or local event listings before attending.
Year-Round and Referral-Based Programs
These programs operate outside the August window, either on an ongoing basis or by referral through schools and case managers.
Assistance League of Denver — Operation School Bell
Rather than a public walk-up event, Operation School Bell works through a school referral system. Participating DPS school counselors identify students in need and connect them with the program, which has historically provided vouchers for families to shop for new school clothing at JCPenney at a discount. Health kits and books have also been part of the package. If your child's school is not a current partner, contact the Assistance League to inquire at https://www.assistanceleague.org/denver/.
Denver Inner City Parish
1212 Mariposa St, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 629-0636
Denver Inner City Parish runs an annual back-to-school supply drive with a specific focus on families experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty in central Denver. Students in grades K-12, including children staying in shelters, are eligible. This is one of the few programs in the city that explicitly prioritizes families without stable housing rather than the broader low-income population. Call to confirm current-year program dates and any documentation needs.
Salvation Army — Denver
The Salvation Army provides school supplies and backpacks as part of its broader social services portfolio in Denver, generally in late summer. They also offer emergency food, Christmas assistance, and clothing year-round. More information at the Salvation Army Denver County assistance page. Contact the local Denver office for current school supply program dates, as distribution methods and timing vary. See https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/co/denver/.
Clothes to Kids of Denver
2890 S Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80222 | (720) 379-4630
Clothes to Kids focuses on school-appropriate clothing — uniforms, socks, belts, and shoes — for students who need it. For families who can't afford school-ready clothes, this fills a gap that most supply giveaways don't address. Services are available year-round, though inventory varies.
Nearby Counties Worth Knowing
Because Denver is a compact city-county that borders Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties, families who live near those county lines often find that programs across the border are just as accessible as anything in the city. A few worth checking:
Aurora Public Schools — Annual Back to School Kickoff (Arapahoe County): APS typically hosts its own August supply and immunization event open to families enrolled in the district. Town Center at Aurora has been a past location. Website: https://www.aurorak12.org/ — APS district enrollment required; confirm current-year date and registration.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools — Back to School Bash (Adams County): Adams 12 has run its own annual community resource fair with free backpacks and school supplies for enrolled K-12 families, typically in early August with no registration required. Website: https://www.adams12.org/ — For Adams 12 district families; confirm the current year's event details.
The Action Center (Jefferson County): Serves Jefferson County families with free school supply giveaways, food boxes, and a clothing closet. Located in Lakewood at 8745 W 14th Ave. (303) 237-7704. See https://www.theactioncenter.org/ — Jefferson County families; call to confirm current program availability.
Thornton Community Connections (Adams County): Has historically partnered with other organizations on an annual school supply event in Thornton serving Adams County students, with grade-specific supplies. (720) 977-5800. — Confirm current-year program status and registration requirements.
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