Back-to-school season can be exciting, nerve-wracking and expensive! Several community organizations have come together to host back-to-school events to support our students and their families. The events are organized by date.
Voluntary Action Center Back to School Program
July 13 – August 28
VAC office in the Cindy Mustard Resource Center on the Opportunity Campus at 1300 Bowling St., Columbia
VAC will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies for K–12 Boone County students to families who meet the income requirement (200% of the federal poverty guidelines). To apply, you can call 573-874-2273 or visit the VAC Office during business hours to check your eligibility and sign up.
Hallsville Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 1
Doors open at 10 a.m.; supplies will be handed out from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lemone Building at the Hallsville Fairgrounds, 500 E Hwy OO, Hallsville
Free school supplies and excitement about the upcoming school year. Free food, fun and information about different community services. Sponsored by the Hallsville InterChurch Council. Children are encouraged to attend. Parents whose children are unable to attend may pick up supplies beginning at 12:30 p.m.
SERVE’s 2026 Back-to-School Giveaway
Dates and times are based on students’ schools.
4901 Co Rd 304, Fulton
If your child goes to:
- Fulton Public Schools
- New Bloomfield Public Schools
- North Callaway Public Schools
These schools are providing your school supplies again this year. If you are in need of a new backpack, please stop by SERVE on:
Tuesday, August 4: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
If your child goes to:
- Callaway Hills Public School
- Kingdom Christian Academy
- Homeschooled
- North Public School (Holts Summit)
- South Callaway Public Schools
- St. Peter Catholic School
If you are in need of school supplies and/or a backpack, please stop by SERVE on:
- Thursday, August 6: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Friday, August 7: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Rock the Community Douglass Park Back to School Event
Saturday, August 8: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Douglass Park, 400 N. Providence Rd., Columbia
Rock the Community presents Douglass Park Back to School Editions — a free outdoor event aimed to empower Columbia residents with positive programming and atmosphere. Families receive free backpacks and school supplies. Sponsored by the Columbia Police Department and Veterans United Foundation.
City of Refuge Back to School Event
Monday, August 10
Columbia
Navigating back-to-school time can be especially tricky for families with refugee backgrounds. Contact City of Refuge for details on this event.
South Callaway School District’s Back to School Bulldog Bash and Resource Fair
Tuesday, August 11: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
10135 State Rd C Mokane, in the new EC gym
South Callaway R-11 will be celebrating the brand new school year by providing some beginning of the year essentials to our Bulldog students all while enjoying some treats and fun while they are at it! Free supplies and essentials, snow cones, bounce houses, community resources and prizes.
Unity in the Community Back to School Event
Friday, August 14: Noon – 6 p.m.
MU Pavilion, 1701 W. Ash, Columbia
This event will have free backpacks, school supplies, food court, hair cuts, dental and hearing screenings, sports physicals, household essentials and shoes. You can also explore the health and resources fair.
No registration required. Forms will be filled out at the event.
The Hero Clinic Foundation Back to School Bash
Sunday, August 16: noon – 3 p.m.
The Hero Clinic, 103 A Corporate Lake, Columbia
Free haircuts, school supplies, bounce house, food trucks and more.
Renz Blendz 6th Annual Back to School Bash
Sunday, August 23: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Armory, 701 E Ash St., Columbia
Free school supplies and haircuts — as well as face painting and food starting at 12:30, backpack giveaways starting at 1 p.m., raffle drawings and local vendors. Free to families in Boone and surrounding counties.
