Families in Fort Mitchell, Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Villa Hills and surrounding communities can pick up a free backpack stuffed with grade-appropriate school supplies on Saturday, Aug. 8, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare's Covington campus. No appointment needed.

Backpacks Bonanza runs from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at 1500 James Simpson Jr. Way. Kenton County schools and Beechwood Independent Schools are scheduled to open Aug. 19, according to event organizers, giving families less than two weeks to get ready.

What to bring

Parents or guardians need three things: a photo ID for themselves, a Social Security card or medical card for each child, and proof of address such as a recent utility bill or lease.

Backpacks are first-come, first-served. The giveaway is open to any Northern Kentucky student from pre-school through 12th grade, whether they attend Kenton County district schools, Beechwood, Notre Dame Academy, St. Henry District High School, a private school or are home-schooled.

What families get

Each backpack comes filled with supplies matched to the student's grade level. Papa John's, the event's food sponsor, will hand out free pizza.

Organizers expect to distribute at least 1,165 backpacks total this year. About half have already gone out through partner organizations including Welcome House, Brighton Center and Be Concerned. The remaining backpacks, more than 500, will be available Saturday.

"Our project gives them one less need to worry about," Paul Gottbrath, president of the nonprofit Northern Kentucky Harvest, told the NKY Tribune.

The National Retail Federation pegs the average cost of basic school supplies at $146.45 per child this year, up 7.7% from 2025. Add clothing, shoes and required technology, and the total hits $611, according to a Harris Poll survey.

26 years running

This is the 26th year Northern Kentucky Harvest has hosted the event, which started by giving away 150 backpacks and was formerly called Backpacks & Breakfast. Sponsors include the Butler Foundation, the R.C. Durr Foundation, the Duke Energy Foundation and the Covington Rotary Foundation.

Saturday's giveaway is the last public distribution before classes begin Aug. 19.