{
  "id": 141992,
  "title": "Free school supplies, backpacks, and activities: 2026 back-to-school events in Philadelphia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/free-school-supplies-backpacks-and-activities-2026-back-to-school",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-04T19:06:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Chalkbeat",
    "slug": "chalkbeat",
    "url": "https://www.chalkbeat.org/philadelphia/2026/08/04/free-back-to-school-supplies-and-events-in-philly/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Philadelphia School District's first day of school is set for Monday, Aug. 24. Teachers will attend professional development between Aug. 17 and 21. As students prepare for the upcoming academic year, school communities face challenges such as heat, a transition period before some school closures, and maintaining engagement and safety among young people. In response, various organizations across the city will host free back-to-school events offering supplies, health screenings, activities, and community block parties. Those interested in learning about additional events should email philadelphia.tips@chalkbeat.org. The School District of Philadelphia's bus tour will visit several locations over the next few weeks, providing backpacks, snacks, activities, and registration assistance. Upcoming events include the Episcopal Community Services and St. Barnabas Community Resource Center's Gear Up for School event, Entrepreneurs of the Future and Men of Courage's back-to-school drive, and the Congreso block party featuring a backpack giveaway and petting zoo. Other notable events include The Salvation Army Kroc Center's Back-to-School Backpack Event, the Southeast Asian Market's school supply giveaway, and the United Missionary Baptist Church's \"Back 2 School\" giveaway. Donations of school supplies are also being accepted by various organizations, including the Young Chances Foundation, Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia, and It Takes A Village Foundation.",
  "summary": "The Philadelphia School District’s first day of school is rapidly approaching. Students return Monday, Aug. 24, and teachers will be back for professional development between Aug. 17 and 21. This academic year, school communities will be battling the heat , dealing with a transition year…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Chalkbeat",
        "title": "‘Nobody feels good, nobody’s learning’: How high temperatures disrupt Philadelphia’s school days",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/nobody-feels-good-nobodys-learning-how-high-temperatures-disrupt",
        "published": "2026-08-04T14:11:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}