Free back-to-school events starting around Middle Georgia. See the schedule

As Middle Georgia families prepare for the start of a new school year, community members are stepping up to help ease the cost of supplies.

Multiple back-to-school giveaways over the coming weeks will offer free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, health screenings and other resources for students and their families.

Bibb County School District students return to class on Aug. 3, with Houston County Schools start shortly after on Aug. 4.

Here’s a list of upcoming community giveaways in the area.

Know of an event we should add to this list? Email reporter Myracle Lewis at mlewis@macon.com.

4th Annual Back 2 School Drive

• When: July 11, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Where: U Create Macon Innovation Center, 1065 Anthony Road, Macon
• What: Barbers on Duty Inc., Harrell’s & Sons Barbershop and the Humanitarian Gang Inc., are coming together to give away free backpacks, school supplies and community resources while supplies last. This is a drive-thru event, and children must be present to receive items.

Macon Chapter of GTG

• When: July 11, 10 a.m. until supplies last
• Where: 2060 Napier Avenue, Macon
• What: The Macon chapter of GTG will be giving away pre-packed bookbags with school supplies, free grab-and-go lunches and community resources. Children must be present to receive items, according to event organizers.

United Steelworkers Fort Valley Giveaway

• When: July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: 1000 Tulip Drive, Fort Valley
• What: The USW Local 697 will be giving away more than 1,000 bookbags filled with school supplies to children in Middle Georgia. Refreshments will be provided.

El Gallo 94.3 FM radio station Giveaway

• When: July 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: The Austin Theatre, 116 East Main St., Fort Valley
• What: El Gallo 94.3 FM/96.7 FM and Reyna Helps will give away free bookbags, school supplies, hair cuts, food and more. Families must register by July 16.

Macon-Bibb Parks & Recreation Giveaway

• When: July 18, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Where: Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center, 132 Willie Smokie Glover Drive, Macon
• What: Macon-Bibb Parks & Recreation will be giving away free community resources and school supplies, including backpacks, pencils, crayons and more. Parents must be present with their child to receive supplies.

Forrest B. Johnson Back-to-School Bash

• When: July 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Where: 1010 Newberg Ave., Macon
• What: Forrest B. Johnson & Associates’ Back2School Bash will provide free bookbags, school supplies, food and more. This community event also will include family activities.

United Steelworkers Macon Giveaway

• When: July 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: 4320 Mead Road, Macon
• What: USW Locals 572 and 9008 will also be giving away more than 1,000 bookbags filled with school supplies to children in Middle Georgia at a separate location. Refreshments will be served.

Hope for the Heart of GA

• When: July 25, 9 a.m. to noon
• Where: Christ Chapel Church, 170 Starcadia Circle, Macon
• What: Hope for the Heart of Georgia will host a community event to give away free backpacks and uniforms, as well as groceries and household items. Lunch will be provided.

Boys & Girls Club School Drive

• When: July 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: Buck Melton Center, 150 Sessions Drive, Macon
• What: The Boys and Girls Club of Central Georgia will host its second annual back-to-school bash, featuring free food, more than 600 bookbags, haircut vouchers and more.

Mikado Baptist Church

• When: July 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Midako Baptist Church Family Life Center, 6751 Houston Road, Macon
• What: In partnership with local barbers, Midako Baptist Church will offer free basic haircuts and trim-ups for students. Free lunch will be provided, and school supplies will be available while they last. Appointments can be made online.

Bibb County Schools PBIS Giveaway

• When: July 31, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Where: Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon
• What: The Bibb County School District will host its 9th annual back-to-school bash, with community resources, free school supplies, free school uniform shirts and more.

Rosa Jackson Rec Center Giveaway

• When: Aug. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: 1211 Maynard St., Macon
• What: The Rosa Jackson Recreation Center is hosting a back-to-school giveaway, providing free haircuts, gift cards, bookbags and food.

This list will be updated as more events are announced.