Free School Supplies and Local Resources Available to Transitional Kindergarten Through 12th Grade Families at Bordwell Park
RIVERSIDE, CA – The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, in collaboration with The Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation, the Black Arts Museum, and Feed Them Kids, hosts its 24th Annual Backpack Giveaway and Resource Fair on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
“We’re taking action because some families can’t afford backpacks and supplies. These kids often go through two backpacks in a year. Our goal is to help them get started. We began this effort because many were without backpacks, and as you can see from the number of backpacks distributed across the Inland Empire, the need remains,” said Dell Roberts, president and founder of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation.
The event runs from 8:00 AM to Noon at the Stratton Community Center, located inside Bordwell Park at 2008 Martin Luther King Blvd, Riverside, CA. This long-standing community event is designed to support local families for the upcoming school year by providing vital educational materials and connecting them with regional support networks.
The annual fair offers free backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies to school-aged children from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. Supplies will be distributed on a strict first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
To receive a backpack, each child must be physically present at the event. Alongside the distribution, a diverse resource fair will feature local community organizations, healthcare providers, and city agencies offering valuable information on family wellness, after-school programs, and social services.
Bilingual staff will be available on-site to assist both English and Spanish-speaking families (Sorteo Anual de Mochilas Y Feria de Recursos – Sábado, 11 de julio de 8 a.m. a mediodía).
Sponsors: Presented by the City of Riverside, Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation, Black Arts Museum, Sahaba Initiative and Feed Them Kids.
Families are encouraged to arrive early, as backpack quantities are limited. For more details regarding the event, donation drop-offs, volunteer opportunities, or vendor participation, contact Riverside Parks at (951) 826-5355 or via email at Parks@RiversideCa.gov.
