Bakersfield, CA Back-To-School Giveaways Near Me: Where to Find Legit Deals
Photo: Stephen Leonardi / Pexels
See which Bakersfield school giveaways have ended and which Target supply discounts remain active in late August.
As of August 28, 2026, no open Bakersfield back-to-school giveaway is verified in the available current sources. The major local events have ended or served prequalified families, but several Target school-supply deals remain active. A giveaway provides goods at no charge; a discounted item is still a purchase.
That distinction matters when comparing expired backpack events with sales families can use now.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on August 28, 2026.
The large Bakersfield giveaway has ended
Kern County Child Support Services confirms that its Ready-Set Back 2 School fair is over. Its August 14 event follow-up thanks attendees and says, "see you next time," rather than offering another 2026 distribution date. The August 6 event gave K–12 children backpacks and supplies at the Kern County Museum.
Each child had to attend with an adult, and the limit was one backpack per child. Distribution was first-come, first-served while supplies lasted. Families also received shoes, books, dental screenings, and other services through more than 80 local partners.
Those details show that the event was substantial, but they should not be mistaken for benefits still available today.
The Kohl's shopping spree was not open enrollment
A separate August 1 Kohl's shopping spree helped more than 100 Kern County students. However, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools reported that eligibility was limited to children enrolled in Community Connection for Child Care subsidy programs. That means it was not a walk-in giveaway for every Bakersfield family.
Unless a new sponsor announcement says otherwise, photographs or reports from that shopping event do not establish current public eligibility.
School-supply deals available now
Target's current back-to-school sale page lists select Crayola products for $0.99, Five Star notebooks for $2.99, and Expo four-packs of dry-erase markers for $4.49. These offers are scheduled through September 19, 2026, but they are discounts rather than free supplies. Target's Bakersfield store locator lists five stores in the city, including 2901 Ming Avenue.
Shoppers can also check the items online before choosing a location. Verified college students and teachers have another option. According to Target's July 22 announcement, eligible shoppers can receive 20% off one storewide purchase through September 12, 2026, using Target Circle.
Verification and a Target Circle account are required, and the benefit applies to one purchase.
How to avoid an expired or ineligible offer
Check the sponsor's dated page before making a special trip. A recap thanking attendees usually documents a completed event, while an active offer should show a future deadline or current redemption instructions. Also check the conditions beside the benefit:
- Confirm whether the offer is free or merely discounted.
- Look for enrollment, verification, age, or attendance requirements.
- Note quantity limits and "while supplies last" language.
- For Target offers, select a Bakersfield store and confirm the promotion before shopping.