Memphis is a city that cares about its children, offering a variety of resources to support their academic and personal growth. From school supply drives to after-school programs and lunch services, Memphis provides numerous opportunities for kids to succeed. In this article, we'll highlight some of the top school supply drives happening between July 15, 2023, and August 30, 2023, as well as other programs that benefit children in the area.

School Supply Drives

Several school supply drives are taking place in Memphis from July 15, 2023, to August 30, 2023. Some of these events include:

- Willie Brooks Back to School Bash: Sponsored by Shelby County Commissioner Willie Brooks, this event offers free school supplies for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
- School Supply Drive & Happy Hour: Hosted by eXp Realty - Your Key To Memphis, this event encourages guests to bring new or gently used school supplies to donate and receive complimentary drinks during the happy hour.
- Tanger Back-to-School Bash & Supply Drive: Hosted at Tanger Outlets Memphis, this event features live music, pop jets, balloon twisters, games, and a special guest appearance by the Northwest Community College cheerleaders and drum line.

- Regular Grand Lodge of TN AAR Saturday, July 2211 a.m. Ed Rice Community Center, 2907 N Watkins also have Backpacks, supplies, haircuts, manicures, and more

- Church Health School Supply giveaway Saturday, July 22 at 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Crosstown Concourse on Claybrook Pass (follow signs from Autumn Ave. to Claybrook behind parking garage) Free backpack with supplies and t-shirt while supplies last. Limit of two per car.

- Wolfchase Galleria Back-to-School Event Saturday, July 29 at 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 2760 N. Germantown Pkwy. Free backpack giveaway on first come, first served basis in Center Court, fashion show

- Travetta's 9th Annual Giveback Saturday, July 29 at 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Main Event Memphis 7219 Appling Farms, Backpack giveaway, food, free play

- Community Health Fair and Backpack Event July 29. 2023, 10am-2pm at 584 E. McLemore Ave. Centenary United Methodist Church will host its annual Health Fair in conjunction with the back-to-school backpack event. Amazon will be hiring on site.

- Back to School Pop Up Shop Saturday Aug. 5, 2023 at Noon-4 p.m. 5529 Summer Ave. Backpacks and supplies giveaway while supplies last. (Kids must be present.) Free play and activities for kids. 

- New Direction Christian Church's Back to School Drive Sunday Aug. 6 at 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 6120 Winchester Rd.

Back to School Family Day Saturday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 East McLemore Ave. Free school supplies, live music, food trucks, games & activities

 After-School Programs

Several organizations in Memphis offer after-school programs that provide a safe and engaging learning environment for children. The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South offers before and after care programs in partnership with various schools and school districts in the area. Additionally, Memphis-Shelby County Schools provide Extended Learning Opportunities and Programs (ELOP) that foster high expectations for school-age children.

 Lunch Services

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South also offers a Food Program, where children 18 and under can pick up a free 7-day meal pack full of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks at various locations across the Mid-South. Memphis-Shelby County Schools' Nutrition Services division is responsible for providing nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to students on a daily basis. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need during the summer months when they are out of school.

pics credits: Arizona Daily Star 

By participating in these events and taking advantage of these resources, parents can help their kids thrive and succeed in the upcoming school year.