Back-to-School-Bash

Back-to-School-Bash 2026 

A Community Initiative in Support of Lake County Children in Need

 

The Back-to-School Bash is meant to set students up for success, academically, physically, and emotionally, before the school year begins. It is a community-wide effort being coordinated by United Way of Lake County this year, brought to life through the commitment and partnership of organizations across Lake County who have been contributing to this initiative for many years. For a list of all involved partners, click the 2026 Partners tab across the top.

This Back-to-School Bash for the 2026-2027 School year is open to all Lake County families in need.

Click here for a flyer to share to help us spread the word!

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: Families may stop in anytime from 9 am - 1 pm
Location: Harvey High School in Painesville. 

The following items and services will be available while supplies last:

  • New Socks, underwear, and gently-used clothing and outerwear in all sizes for children ages 0-18.
  • School Supplies including much of the following: backpacks, 3-ring binders, pens, colored pencils, crayons, dry erase markers, glue sticks, highlighters, index cards, erasers, pencil pouches, pencils, pocket folders , children's pointed scissors, supply boxes, washable markers, wide rule loose leaf paper, wide rule notebooks, wide rule composition notebooks, and post-it notes. Haircuts
  • Vision Screenings
  • Dental Services
  • Hearing Screenings
  • Family Photos
  • Community Resources
  • FREE Immunizations! (Ages 4-18 Yrs.): Advance registration with Signature Health is required by a parent or caregiver. Registration link coming soon.

 

Clothing Donations Needed

At United Way of Lake County, we are collecting new socks, underwear, and new and gently-used clothing and outerwear in all sizes for children ages 0-18. Donated items will be distributed at our community's Back-to-School Bash on August 1, 2026.

Two Ways to Help

Two Clothing Donation Drop-Off Locatons

  • United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Pkwy., Mentor, anytime Mon-Thu 8:30 am - 5 pm, and Fri 8:30 am - 12 pm
  • The Salvation Army, 69 Pearl St., Painesville. Call 440.357.2008 for their drop off hours.

         We are accepting donations now through July 27, 2026.  

Make a Monetary Donation & We'll Shop for You

Click here for a Clothing Drive Donation flyer to share!

 

School Supplies Needed

The Salvation Army in Painesville is collecting school supplies and monetary donations to purchase supplies for the Back-to-School Bash.  Donated items will be distributed at our community's Back-to-School Bash on August 1, 2026.

Donations will be accepted through July 27, 2026. Click here for a School Supply Donation Drive flyer.

Questions: Contact Donna Bullis at 440.357.2008 or via email at Donna.Bullis@use.salvationarmy.org

Two Ways to Help:

1. You Shop & Drop

You purchase any of the needed items listed below and drop them off at either The Salvation Army, 69 Pearl St., Painesville OR at United Way of Lake County, 9285 Progress Pkwy., Mentor.

2. Make a Monetary Donation & The Salvation Army Shops for you! Click here to donate online or mail a check payable to The Salvation Army of Lake County and mail this to 69 Pearl St., Painesville, OH 44077, along with a note designating: BTSB.

Needed School Supplies

  • Backpacks
  • 1-Inch 3-Ring Binders
  • Blue/Black Pens
  • 12 Pack Colored Pencils
  • 24 Pack Crayons
  • Dry Erase Markers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Highlighters
  • Index Cards
  • Large Pink Erasers
  • Pencil Pouches
  • Pencils
  • Pocket Folders w/prongs
  • Children's Pointed Scissors
  • Supply Box
  • Washable Markets
  • Wide Rule Loose-Leaf Paper
  • Wide Rule Notebooks
  • Wide Rule Composition Notebooks
  • Post-It Notes

School Supply Donation Drive Generously Sponsored By:

Carver Financial Services LOGO

2026 Back-to-School Bash Partners

The saying, "It takes a village," could not be truer. At United Way of Lake County, we are very thankful to be among a long list of partners responsible for bringing the Back-to-School Bash to our community, so that families in need throughout Lake County can take advantage of a wide variety of free school supplies, clothing, outerwear, and many other services. Partners include:

  • Altered Church
  • Chick-fil-A (Mentor)
  • LaBarberia Institute of Hair
  • Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa 
  • Lake County ADAMHS Board
  • Lake County Free Clinic
  • Lake County General Health District
  • Lake County Job and Family Services
  • Little Scholars Early Learning Center
  • Northeast Ohio Dental Hygienists Association
  • Our Future Reuse 
  • Painesville City Local Schools
  • Painesville Lions Club
  • PropNPose
  • Salvation Army Corps Community Center
  • Signature Health
  • Sounds of Life Hearing
  • Trinity Church
  • United Way of Lake County