News Summary
As the new school year approaches, various organizations are hosting events to provide students with essential supplies and resources in Upstate South Carolina.
Greenville, SC – The start of the new school year is fast approaching for families in Upstate South Carolina, with several school districts scheduled to commence classes in early August 2025. Greenville County Schools and Spartanburg Districts 1-7 will begin on August 11, while Anderson Districts 1-5 will start even earlier on August 5.
In preparation, various organizations and schools are hosting back-to-school events focused on providing students with the necessary supplies and resources to ensure a successful academic year. These programs are crucial as many families face financial challenges when equipping their children for school.
The United Way of Greenville County’s School Tools program will take place on August 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carolina High School, which is located at 2725 Anderson Road. This initiative aims to supply students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Meanwhile, donations for the School Tools program can be made at 105 Edinburgh Court during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon). Additionally, donations will be accepted at a “Stuff the Bus” event at Fluor Field during the United Way Night at the Drive on July 23.
Another opportunity for students to receive free supplies will occur on August 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. when the She Squad of Greenville holds a free backpack giveaway at 17 Memorial Medical Drive. Supplies will be distributed to K-12 students while they last.
The Greenville Elks Lodge is also taking part in ensuring students are prepared for school by hosting the Back to School & Community Resource Bash on August 16 at 10 a.m. This event will feature free supplies, games, and community resources for families. In addition, a Back-to-School Bash organized by the Little Wonders Learning Center will take place on August 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., providing meals, activities, and free school supplies.
On August 3, Cleveland Park in Spartanburg will host a Period Packing Party at 2 p.m. where menstrual hygiene products will be assembled for those in need. Meanwhile, Spartanburg School District 7 is arranging free vaccination clinics for rising K-12 students at the Spartanburg County Health Department throughout July and August to assist in ensuring students’ health as they return to the classroom.
National Night Out will take place on August 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Stoneledge Park, featuring the distribution of supplies and opportunities for community engagement.
The Annual United Way of Anderson Back to School Bash is set for August 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Anderson Mall, providing free school supplies, haircuts, face painting, and games aimed at school-age children. Also beginning on the same day is the Back to School Extravaganza, hosted by Carolina Family Services, AnMed Health, and Anderson School District One from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m..
The Anderson County Library is scheduled to host its Back to School Bash on August 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Anderson Main Library, featuring programs and events designed for families.
In an effort to support students throughout Upstate South Carolina, the Palmetto Business Association is currently collecting school supplies until the end of July. Local businesses, including Jackson Stanley Realtors and Dogwood State Bank, have placed donation boxes for community members to contribute supplies.
As classes approach, parents and students can refer to the detailed school calendar for important dates for Greenville County, Spartanburg County, and Anderson County schools for the new academic year. For families in the area serviced by Pickens County Schools, classes will start earlier still, on August 1.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Back to School Drives and Bashes
- GoUpstate: Greenville School Calendar 2025-26
- Kidding Around Greenville: Back to School Guide
- Fox17: Back to School Savings Tips
- WYFF4: Greenville County Schools Job Openings
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Google Search: Back to School Resources
- Google Scholar: Back to School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Back to School
- Google News: Back to School 2025
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.


