Three Gainesville-area Verizon-authorized retailer stores operated by Round Room LLC will provide hundreds of free backpacks to local students during the company’s 14th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway on Sunday, July 26.
The giveaway begins at 1 p.m. at participating TCC and Wireless Zone stores nationwide. Families may receive one free backpack per child present while supplies last, according to a Round Room LLC press release.
Locally, participating stores include:
- 15560 NW U.S. Highway 441, Alachua
- 2785 NW 49th Ave., Gainesville
- 1604 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland
The annual initiative is expected to distribute more than 140,000 backpacks — valued at more than $3 million — at more than 1,200 participating stores across the United States. Since its launch in 2013, the program has provided more than 1.6 million backpacks to students nationwide. Any backpacks remaining after the event will be donated to local schools selected by each participating store.
“Back-to-school costs continue to put pressure on many families, and something as simple as a backpack can make a meaningful impact,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room, in the press release. “For 14 years, our backpack giveaway has been one of the most memorable days of the year for our employees, franchisees and local communities, as we come together to help students start the school year with confidence. Backpacks are essential for students, and we’re grateful we can give families one less thing to worry about.”
This year’s giveaway also includes a chance for students to receive additional back-to-school assistance through the company’s “Golden Ruler” program. Forty-seven randomly selected participating stores nationwide will each distribute one backpack containing a golden ruler keychain. Students who receive one of those backpacks will also receive a $250 Visa gift card to help purchase additional school essentials such as shoes, lunch boxes and classroom supplies.
Round Room launched the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway in response to the growing financial burden of back-to-school shopping. With families expected to spend hundreds of dollars preparing students for the upcoming school year, organizers say the annual event helps ease those costs while supporting local communities.
The backpack giveaway is part of Round Room’s broader philanthropic efforts, which have included donating more than $11 million through community grants benefiting more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations nationwide.
For more information about the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway or participating locations, visit Round Room’s website.