BackPacks for Kids
The Samaritan Community Center’s BackPacks for Kids program helps prepare 4,000 at-risk children across Northwest Arkansas for the school year by providing backpacks filled with age-appropriate supplies. Families can pick up tickets at the Samaritan Community Center during Café program hours from June 1st to July 10th. These tickets guarantee each child a backpack when they attend our annual Backpacks for Kids event in August, ensuring their children are ready to start the year with everything they need to succeed.
The event is more than just a supply pickup—it’s a fun, community-centered celebration. Many local partners come together to offer prizes, free haircuts, socks, and even bicycles. Families enjoy a lively atmosphere with free food, making it a great time for everyone while supporting children's educational success.
Information
Backpacks for Kids event is at Arvest Ballpark on the first Saturday in August. A ticket is required to enter the event.
Tickets become available in June and can be picked up for free at any of our Samaritan Community Centers during program hours or during special ticket events. Follow our social media to stay up-to-date.
We get help every year collecting school supplies all across the state. If you want to get involved and help us with this powerful program, contact Shannon Green at sgreen@samcc.org or call (479) 636 - 4198
In-Kind Donations
Volunteer
Ready to help us gather school supplies? Organizing a school supply drive at your workplace, school or church is the way to go! Email sshannon@samcc.org for
more information.
You can also visit our registry to purchase supplies and have them delivered.
If you want to help in person and volunteer, we can always use extra hands to help inventory supplies, pack backpacks, assist at the distribution event or organize a booth at the event with your workplace, school, civic organization or church. Click the Volunteer Button Below to get started!