GIVE DAY is World Biggest Backpack’s biggest event, held in August of each year in Interior Alaska, welcoming more than 5,000 people from across the entire state.. 

On this one incredible day, backpacks are distributed, resources are shared, hot dogs are eaten, and students and families find support and resources for starting school with success. Give Day isn’t just about supplies, it’s about ensuring the whole family is ready for a successful start to the school year.

Families begin to arrive for the event as early as 8am, where they’re met by welcome hosts and can ask any questions they may have. Families then begin at the registration table, where we ask for their grade and school, to help us ensure we’re providing the best supplies for each student. 

Students are given a color-coded “shopping list,” which lists every supply item that they’ll be receiving for their grade. Students then proceed through a series of stations, beginning with their backpack. There are multiple colors to choose from, and students pick their favorite before proceeding through a balloon-filled course of school supplies.

At each supply table, students choose their preferred supply color and style, and that supply is then marked off on their shopping list.

Our commitment is excellence of quality in each supply item, which is why we only give Crayola crayons, Elmer’s glue sticks, and Ticonderoga Pencils for every student.

After students have filled their backpack with all of the school list school supplies, students choose their style and color of water bottle, and then, in partnership with the Literacy Council of Alaska, select a book of their choice to take home with them. They can also receive free immunizations from the health department and vision screening from our local Lions Club Foundation.

All students stop at a station to receive kid-friendly and nutritious food for a healthy first week of school. Then students can visit the Sneaker Swap station, where they can select a pair of gently used sneakers in the next-up size, and mom, dad, and guardians can take a back to school photo at a colorful photo op station.

Teachers are important, too! The first 100 teachers receive a Teacher Tote filled with teaching supply essentials.

After students have received all of their supplies, it’s time for the Resource Fair! The Resource Fair is a one-stop fair for all of a family’s back to school resources. Our local school bus barn is present for students to practice getting on a bus and for parents to receive bus schedule information, and the local Police and Fire Departments bring cars and fire trucks.

Local sports teams, mental health organizations, PTA groups, and community organizations and businesses host booths and provide resources to families. Health and Nutrition Services is there, to assist with free and reduced lunch applications. School and Military liaisons are present to offer information to our military connected families, too! 

There’s even bounce houses and face painting and a hot dog lunch for everyone. And every single bit is free, there is no money exchanged at this event. 

Give Day is a day for our community to resource, support, empower, and equip each other and the next generation, to prove to our students that they are worthy, they are valuable, they are loved, and they are world-changers.