Elizabeth Book Bag Giveaway Set for August 25 at Six Sites

The City of Elizabeth's Annual Citywide Book Bag Giveaway takes place tomorrow, Monday, August 25, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at six locations throughout the city. The giveaway provides free book bags to Elizabeth residents preparing students for the new school year.

The event is open to Elizabeth residents only. Children must be present to receive a book bag—a requirement ensuring that students participate directly in back-to-school preparation and receive their supplies in person.

The City of Elizabeth is distributing book bags at the following six sites:

• Miller Evans Logan Center, 161 First St.

• Mickey Walker Center, 860 Anna St.

• Fred Erxleben Center, 513 Richmond St.

• O'Donnell Dempsey Center, 618 Salem Ave.

• Peterstown Community Center, 418 Palmer St.

• Elmora Racquet Club, 23 Fernwood Terrace

Multiple locations across the city enable families to access the giveaway nearest their home or neighborhood, reducing transportation barriers and making participation accessible to residents throughout Elizabeth.

Union County Life covers Elizabeth community events and local news across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Back-to-School Community Support

Book bag giveaways support families preparing students for school year start, reducing supply costs and enabling families to invest resources in other school expenses—clothing, shoes, technology, or educational materials.

Free supplies programs acknowledge education access barriers and prioritize community investment in student readiness and school year preparation.

Six Neighborhood Locations

The distribution of six sites across the city reflects municipal commitment to accessibility. Rather than centralizing the giveaway at single location requiring families to travel across the city, the six-site model brings resources to neighborhood centers where residents already gather.

Neighborhood accessibility removes transportation obstacles and creates familiar community gathering spaces for families to participate.

Student Direct Participation

The requirement that children be present to receive book bags includes students directly in school preparation process. Children choosing and receiving their own supplies creates personal investment in school readiness and connecting students to community support.

Direct student participation in receiving supplies teaches community contribution and celebrates personal responsibility in preparing for educational year.

Community Investment in Education

The annual book bag giveaway represents municipal commitment to student support and education access. Free supplies programs remove barriers enabling all families—regardless of economic circumstances—to provide students with school materials.

For Elizabeth families and students, the book bag giveaway provides tangible back-to-school support and community celebration of education.

Registration and Contact

No advance registration is required. Families should bring children to any of the six locations during the 4-6 p.m. window on August 25. For additional details, the City of Elizabeth can be reached at 908-820-4130.

Find more Elizabeth community events and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth, NJ

FAQ

Q: When is Elizabeth's book bag giveaway?
A: The event is Monday, August 25, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Q: Where can I get a book bag?
A: Book bags are distributed at six locations throughout Elizabeth: Miller Evans Logan Center (161 First St.), Mickey Walker Center (860 Anna St.), Fred Erxleben Center (513 Richmond St.), O'Donnell Dempsey Center (618 Salem Ave.), Peterstown Community Center (418 Palmer St.), and Elmora Racquet Club (23 Fernwood Terrace).

Q: Who is eligible for the book bag giveaway?
A: The event is open to Elizabeth residents only.

Q: Does my child need to be present?
A: Yes. The child must be present to receive a book bag.

Q: Do I need to register in advance?
A: No. Registration is not required. Simply visit any of the six locations during the 4-6 p.m. event window with your child.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: The book bag giveaway is free.

Q: What if I can't make it to any location?
A: There are six locations throughout the city to accommodate different neighborhoods. At least one location should be accessible to most Elizabeth residents.

Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Contact the City of Elizabeth at 908-820-4130.