Lawrence Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

For Immediate Release
July 17, 2026

Mayor Whitfield’s “Back to School” Program Continues

Lawrence Initiative Designed to Help Children

Lawrence, IN – A program initiated by Mayor Deb Whitfield in her first year in office, the City of Lawrence will welcome families to their annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 19th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Lawrence Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Road.

The free community event is open to all students and their families and will feature free backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials. In addition, free hot dogs and chips will be offered, as well as face painting. Opportunities to connect with community organizations before the new school year begins will be afforded.

Approximately 400 backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Established by Mayor Deb Whitfield in 2024, her first year in office, the Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway began as a community cookout designed to bring families together before the school year. It has since grown into an annual tradition focused on helping students begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

New this year, backpacks will include personal hygiene items after conversations with Lawrence Township community school administrators highlighted hygiene needs as an important as an important concern for some students. By providing these essentials alongside school supplies, the City hopes to help students feel confident and reduce barriers that can affect success in the classroom.

“Every child deserves to begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed”, said Mayor Deb Whitfield. “This event is about more than backpacks. It is about supporting families, strengthening our community, and helping every student walk into school with confidence. That’s what Live Longer in Lawrence is all about. Creating opportunities for our residents to thrive”, said the Mayor.

The event is made possible through donations from City of Lawrence employees, local businesses, community partners, and residents who contributed supplies.

Mayor Whitfield will attend Sunday’s event to help distribute backpacks and welcome families as they prepare for the upcoming school  year.