Free Backpacks And School Supplies Set For Binghamton Students This Month

It's back-to-school time. Binghamton University started classes for the 2026 fall semester on Tuesday (August 11), and SUNY Broome will open for classes on August 24th.

Elementary, middle, and High schools in the Southern Tier begin just after Labor Day. Days vary, depending on each school district. For the City of Binghamton school district, that date will be Thursday, September 10th.

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To prepare for the upcoming school year, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced a partnership with CARES Advocates For Families Inc. for another free backpacks-and-school-supplies event for City of Binghamton students before the school year begins. 

1,000 backpacks are being filled with supplies for Binghamton students in grades Pre-K through 12. The backpacks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and Binghamton students must be present to receive a backpack. 

With so many families feeling the burden of rising prices, back-to-school shopping can be a stressful time. We’re partnering with CARES again to ease the strain on local families and make sure that no student in Binghamton starts the school year without the supplies they need to learn and grow. - City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham

These free backpacks will be available for pickup over a three-day period for City of Binghamton students this week. The schedule includes:

• Thursday, August 20th, beginning at 11 a.m. at Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park, located at 1 Truesdell Street in Binghamton 
• Friday, August 21st, starting at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga Apartments Community Center, located at 60 Saratoga Avenue in Binghamton, and at Webster Street Park, located at 95 Jackson Street in Binghamton 
• Saturday, August 22nd, kicking off at 11 a.m. at Recreation Park, located at 103 Laurel Avenue in Binghamton

Every student deserves to begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Having the necessary school supplies supports students academically and helps them feel that their community believes in their success. At a time when many families are experiencing significant economic strain and rising costs, providing backpacks and supplies can ease an important financial burden and help ensure that children start the school year on more equal footing. - CARES CEO, Denise Yull

This partnership between the City of Binghamton and CARES began in 2017, providing over 8,200 filled backpacks free of charge to Binghamton students. According to Mayor Kraham's announcement, the City of Binghamton is providing $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds this year to support the backpack and school supply program.

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