Updated Aug. 17, 2026.
By Hola America
Back 2 School Iowa will distribute supplies from 2 to 5 p.m. at 915 College Ave. The event may end earlier if supplies run out.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Families can receive free school supplies Sunday, Aug. 23, during the 2026 Back 2 School Bash in Des Moines. The event begins at 2 p.m., one day before K–12 classes start in Des Moines and several nearby districts.
Back 2 School Iowa will hold the event at the Reichardt Community Recreation Center, 915 College Ave. The scheduled closing time is 5 p.m.
However, the distribution could end earlier. Supplies will remain available only until they run out.
In addition to the school supply giveaway, the annual event includes activities for students and information from community organizations.
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
- Time: 2 to 5 p.m., or until supplies run out
- Location: Reichardt Community Recreation Center
- Address: 915 College Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314
- Supplies: Available while quantities last
The Aug. 23 giveaway may end before 5 p.m.
Back 2 School Iowa expects more than 1,000 students to receive supplies during the event. Supply bags are grouped for elementary, middle and high school students.
Still, the organization does not guarantee that supplies will remain available through the listed closing time. Therefore, the event will end at 5 p.m. or when organizers distribute the remaining supplies.
The event also features youth activities. These include a carnival, basketball activities and information from local groups.
Current event information is available through the Back 2 School Iowa website.
Related: How Iowa families can apply for free and reduced-price school meals for 2026–27.
Most Des Moines-area districts start classes Aug. 24
Most K–12 students in the Des Moines metro will return to school Monday, Aug. 24. However, preschool dates and early dismissal schedules vary by district.
- Des Moines Public Schools: K–12 classes begin Aug. 24.
- West Des Moines Community Schools: K–12 classes begin Aug. 24. Kindergarten students dismiss early Aug. 24–26, while Tiger Cubs Preschool begins Aug. 31.
- Ankeny Community School District: K–12 classes begin Aug. 24. Preschool begins Sept. 1.
- Johnston Community School District: K–12 classes begin Aug. 24, with an early dismissal on the first day.
- Waukee Community School District: Classes begin Aug. 24. The district also uses a kindergarten transition schedule Aug. 24 and 25.
- Southeast Polk Community School District: K–12 classes begin Aug. 24. Little Rams Preschool begins Sept. 8.
- Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District: Classes begin Aug. 24. Preschool begins Aug. 31.
- Urbandale Community School District: Most K–12 students begin Aug. 24. Karen Acres Elementary follows a year-round calendar and is already in session.
Meanwhile, families can check school-specific schedules because orientation, preschool and early dismissal dates may differ from the main district calendar.
DMPS enrollment remains open for the 2026–27 school year
Des Moines Public Schools continues to accept enrollment for the 2026–27 academic year. The DMPS Welcome Center is at 1301 Second Ave. in Des Moines.
The center opens Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It closes for about 30 minutes around noon.
On Fridays, the center opens from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can also contact the enrollment office at 515-242-7371.
In addition, the DMPS Welcome Center page provides enrollment forms and current contact information.
Free physicals remain available Tuesday evenings
Uninsured and underinsured children can receive free physical exams at the Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic. The clinic operates inside West Des Moines Human Services at 139 Sixth St.
The clinic opens Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. However, check-in closes at 7:30 p.m.
West Des Moines residency and income verification are not required. The clinic accepts walk-ins and does not charge for the visit.
However, the clinic does not provide immunizations. West Des Moines Human Services can provide more information at 515-222-3660.
As of Aug. 17, the Back 2 School Bash remains scheduled for Aug. 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 915 College Ave. Supplies will be distributed until they run out.
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