Three ways to get free back to school supplies in Norwich: here's where to go

The first day of school is less than a month away, and while squeezing every bit fun out of the summer is the priority for most children, parents are already beginning to consider what is needed to help their children succeed in the upcoming school year.

While there are many things on parents’ minds related to back to school, one of the most important is getting their children the supplies they need to do well in school.

There will be three opportunities in Norwich for parents to get free school supplies, and none of them require signing up in advance.

Books, backpacks and brochures

The first is the Books, Backpacks and Brochures event at the United Community and Family Services building at 47 Town St. on Aug 7. From 1 to 3 p.m., CorePlus Credit Union is supplying the backpacks, school supplies, and ice cream. Other gifts, supplies and information will be given to children by Norwich Public Utilities, Uncas Health District, UCFS, Otis Library, and Impact Teen Drivers, according to the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce’s Weekly Newsletter.

This is the second year CorePlus has held the giveaway. CorePlus and UCFS have worked together on efforts in the past, so this was a natural way for them to team up, Vice President of Operations Meg Martellotta said.

Last year, they collected 115 backpacks, but they’ve gotten over 250, thanks to employee donations and local dealerships. Even though the manager’s office is now overflowing with backpacks, the credit union is accepting donations until Aug. 5, Martellotta said.

Black Dragon Martial Arts Academy

The other two are from the Black Dragon Marital Arts Academy. The first event is from Aug. 5-10, where students and parents can walk into the dojo, at 113 Salem Turnpike, and receive both a backpack with school supplies and a certificate for two free weeks of martial arts lessons good until the end of September, owner and Master Instructor Dan Jenkins III said.

The other Black Dragon event is the Norwich Public Schools Back to School Bash, also hosted by State Rep. Derell Wilson, State Sen. Cathy Osten, and TMJ Marketing Solutions. It will be on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kelly Steam Magnet Middle School on 25 Mahan Drive, according to a press release.

The Back to School Bash will also feature free backpacks, supplies, haircuts, and food trucks.

Black Dragon has had these school supply giveaways for six years now, Jenkins said.

“We’re a pillar in the community, so we like to give back to our community,” he said.

Last year, Black Dragon gave away 1,500 backpacks. This year, its expected to give at least 2,000, Jenkins said.

If someone wants to donate, they can buy their own bag to give or a bag from the Bags in Bulk website. If that isn’t an option, people can also donate money, or volunteer for the event, Jenkins said.

“We can always use people from the community to help our children,” he said.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Free back to school supplies and more in Norwich