Get Ready! The Verizon Free Backpack Giveaway Is Sunday, July 26

What’s better than grabbing cheap backpacks for the kids every school year? Winning one in a free backpack giveaway that costs nothing to enter. Every year, participating Verizon Wireless Zone stores and TCC host a free backpack giveaway at the end of July.

Authorized Verizon Wireless retailers, Wireless Zone and TCC are hosting their 14th annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway (also known as the Verizon Free Backpack Giveaway) on July 26, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. local time. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event.

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Verizon's Free Backpack Giveaway happens once a year and offers free backpacks.

The Verizon Backpack Giveaway is an annual event held at Wireless Zone and TCC stores around the U.S. to help reduce some of the financial burdens of back-to-school expenses which, according to a National Retail Federation survey, cost an average of $858.

The Verizon Backpack Giveaway will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Although the date changes, over the last few years the Verizon BackPack giveaway has taken place on the last Sunday in July. This year, the backpack giveaway will take place at over 1,219 locations on Sunday, July 26, 2026. They will hand out 125,000 backpacks on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last at participating locations from 1 - 4 p.m. (local time).

Do you get school supplies in the School Rocks Backpack?

Every year until 2024, each backpack contained various free school supplies, like folders, paper, pencils, a ruler, a pencil box, and a glue stick. In 2026, kids will receive a FREE backpack, but no supplies.

How do I find a Verizon Backpack Giveaway event happening near me?

Over 1,219 Wireless Zone locations across the U.S. will take part in the Verizon Backpack Giveaway in 2026. To find your nearest giveaway event, visit the Wireless Zone or TCC website or click a button below to find participating locations.

KCL TIP: The free backpacks go fast, so we recommend getting to your local store early.

Find a golden ruler keychain in your backpack to win a $250 gift card.

During the July 26 backpack giveaway, 48 TCC and Wireless Zone stores will also host a "Golden Ruler" contest. Students entering kindergarten - 12th grade in fall 2026 who find a hidden "Golden Ruler" in their backpack they will win a $250 Visa gift card.

There's a limit of one per child, and kids must be present to get a backpack.

Like every other giveaway, there are some details you need to know. There are only two for the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway; be sure to read them so you don’t lose out:

• Limit one backpack per child.

• Your child must be present to get a free backpack.

Other Ways to Get Free or Cheap Backpacks or School Supplies

If you miss the School Rocks Backpack Giveaway, we have other ways you can get cheap backpacks or free school supplies for the upcoming school year.

• Shop at Walmart or Walgreens for the lowest prices on backpacks, sometimes as low as $6.

• Look for a free school supply offer from Staples.

• Finally, use coupons and rebate apps to lower the cost of back-to-school shopping to almost free.

You May Also Be Interested In:

• How to Get Free School Supplies

• Best Places to Buy Cheap School Supplies

• Back-to-School Sales Hacks