Families in San Mateo have until Friday, July 24, to register for free backpacks stuffed with school supplies, courtesy of Samaritan House, a San Mateo County nonprofit that has provided food, shelter, and healthcare since 1974.
The annual back-to-school giveaway takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr. Spaces are limited, and families must call Client Services at (650) 347-3648 to reserve a spot.
The organization's website says it serves roughly 3,000 low-income children and teens countywide each year with backpacks filled with age-appropriate supplies for students from pre-K through high school. No 2026-specific figure has been announced.
The San Mateo-Foster City School District posted the announcement Thursday, July 9, with a bilingual flyer in English and Spanish available on the district's website.
Why it matters
At the 2025 giveaway, Samaritan House CEO Laura Bent said a single backpack with supplies can run more than $100 for families earning under $60,000 a year in a county where the cost of living demands roughly $140,000.
"This event will help them supplement," Bent said at the time.
The drive has drawn corporate partners. In 2025, nearly 100 Gilead Sciences volunteers packed 1,000 backpacks for K–2 students in partnership with Samaritan House, according to the school district.
Samaritan House describes itself as the largest food distribution agency in San Mateo County. The nonprofit also operates shelters, a free medical and dental clinic, and financial assistance programs.
How to register
Call Samaritan House Client Services at (650) 347-3648 before Friday, July 24. The district's bilingual flyer is available at smfcsd.net.
Upcoming community dates
- Friday, July 24 — Registration deadline for Samaritan House backpack giveaway
- Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — Backpack distribution, San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr.
