Largest Free BackPacks and School Supplies event in NWA
BackPacks for Kids
The Samaritan Community Center’s BackPacks for Kids program helps prepare 3,000 at-risk children across Northwest Arkansas for the school year by providing backpacks filled with age-appropriate supplies. All tickets for 2026 have already been distributed. 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.​
Please note that bicycles will not be available at this year’s event. Socks and underwear were distributed when tickets were issued, helping the August event run more smoothly while reducing long lines and the amount of time families spend standing in the heat.
Information
Backpacks for Kids event is at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday August 1st. 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 sgreen@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!
Thanks to our 2026 Sponsors!
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