City of Lancaster to Host 5th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on August 1

Lancaster, CA. July 24, 2026 - The City of Lancaster, in collaboration with the Lancaster School District, is proud to announce the return of its 5th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., helping thousands of local students start the school year prepared and confident.

This year's event will provide 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade at three hub locations throughout the Antelope Valley. Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one backpack per child, and children must be present to receive a backpack.

"Every child deserves to walk into the classroom on the first day of school feeling prepared and excited," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "This event is one of the ways Lancaster comes together to support our families and invest in our students. When a community stands behind its children, everyone benefits."

In addition to free backpacks and school supplies, families can access valuable health and community resources at the following select locations:

Deputy Pierre W. Bain Park

45045 5th Street East, Lancaster, CA 93535

• Backpack distribution
• Fun water play
• Family games
• World of Soccer Exhibition
• Health services
• Student immunizations
• Vision services
• Oral hygiene services

Park View Educational Complex

44327 Fig Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534

• Backpack distribution
• Family games
• Health services
• Student immunizations
• Vision services
• Oral hygiene services

Joe Walker Middle School (Drive-Up Only)

5632 West Avenue L-8, Quartz Hill, CA 93536

• Drive-up backpack distribution only

The City's Backpack Giveaway has become the largest distribution of its kind in Los Angeles County. During last year's giveaway, the City distributed 10,000 backpacks filled with school supplies while connecting families with free health services and community resources to help students start the school year healthy and ready to learn.

Families are encouraged to register in advance. Registration helps organizers plan for attendance, but does not guarantee a backpack if supplies have been exhausted.

Community members and businesses who would like to support the event can still contribute through donations, helping provide backpacks, school supplies, and additional resources for local students and families. For more information, to register, or to make a donation, visit www.cityoflancasterca.gov/backpacks.

Special thanks to WM, Kaiser Permanente, Penny Lane Centers, Race Communications, and Edwards Federal Credit Union for their generous support of local students and families and for helping make the 5th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway possible.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.