News Summary
As the new school year approaches, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson Counties are hosting various back-to-school events and initiatives. Programs include school supply drives, backpack giveaways, and community resource fairs aimed at providing essential supplies and support for students and families. Notable events include the United Way’s School Tools program, She Squad’s backpack giveaway, and multiple community bashes featuring activities and health resources. These activities are designed to ensure students are ready for a successful school year with the necessary resources and support.
Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson Counties Gear Up for Back-to-School
As the start of the new school year approaches, multiple back-to-school events and drives are scheduled in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson Counties. Greenville County Schools and Spartanburg Districts 1-7 will begin classes on August 11, while Anderson Districts 1-5 will start earlier on August 5.
Key Events and Programs
The United Way of Greenville County is hosting its annual School Tools program on August 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carolina High School, located at 2725 Anderson Road. This initiative aims to equip students with essential school supplies, ensuring they begin the academic year prepared for success. The event will feature free food, family-friendly activities, and volunteer opportunities. Individuals wishing to contribute can drop off donations at 105 Edinburgh Court from Monday to Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Additional donations will be collected at the “Stuff the Bus” site on District 356 at Fluor Field on July 23.
The She Squad of Greenville will also hold a free backpack giveaway on August 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 17 Memorial Medical Drive, Greenville. This drive-thru event will provide K-12 students with new backpacks filled with school supplies, clothing, shoes, and toys while supplies last. It is mandatory for students to be present with a parent or guardian to receive a backpack.
The Greenville Elks Lodge will host its Back to School & Community Resource Bash on August 16, starting at 10 a.m. at 7700 Pelham Road. The previous year’s event successfully served over 300 families in the first hour, offering essential supplies, clothes, raffle prizes, games, and more while supplies last.
The Little Wonders Learning Center will organize a Back-to-School Bash on August 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 3204 Whitehorse Road, Suite C. This event is open to the public and will feature face painting, games, prizes, snacks, and free school supplies.
Additional Community Initiatives
Spartanburg County will also be holding several back-to-school initiatives. A Back to School Bash Period Packing Party is scheduled for August 3 at 2 p.m. at Cleveland Park, aimed at assembling over 3,000 menstrual hygiene product kits for students. Donations of thin pads are currently being sought for this cause.
Moreover, the United Way of the Piedmont will conduct a School Supply Drive on August 2 at 203 E. Main St., Spartanburg. Community members can drop off supplies during business hours (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Free back-to-school vaccination clinics for rising 5K to 12th-grade students will also be available at the Spartanburg County Health Department throughout July and August. This serves as an essential measure as new immunization requirements are set to take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
Furthermore, National Night Out will take place on August 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stoneledge Park/Duncan Events Center, promoting community partnerships while distributing school supplies.
Upcoming Events in Anderson County
Anderson County will see a variety of back-to-school events as well. The United Way of Anderson will host its annual Back to School Bash on August 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Anderson Mall. This event will feature a free block party, resource fair, school supplies, haircuts, face painting, and games.
Additionally, a community event hosted by Carolina Family Services, AnMed Health, and Anderson School District One will be held on August 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., providing free school supplies and mental health resources. The Anderson County Library will also celebrate with a Back to School Bash on August 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Anderson Main Library, offering programs centered around art, motivation, and prizes.
In an effort to support students further, the Palmetto Business Association is conducting a Back to School Drive throughout July. Local businesses are collecting essential school supplies for students, with donation boxes available at various locations, including Jackson Stanley Realtors and Dogwood State Bank.
With these upcoming events and initiatives, students and families in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson Counties can find valuable resources and support as they prepare for the new school year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Spartanburg Gears Up for Dynamic Entertainment Month
Free Back-to-School Haircuts for Local Children
New Academic Year Begins in Aiken and Edgefield Counties with Introduction of Year-Round Schooling
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Back-to-School Drives
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Kidding Around Greenville: Back to School Guide
- Google Search: Back to School Events
- Greenville Online: First Day of School Dates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- WSPA: County Proposal on School Funding
- Google News: School Funding
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
