News Summary
The annual SchoolMania event in Knoxville will return for its seventh year, distributing 8,000 school supply bags to students from preschool to 12th grade. Hosted by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and local organizations, the event emphasizes the critical need for school supplies as families face increasing educational costs. Families can access supplies from the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park. In a collaborative effort, local churches will also provide support throughout Knox County, showcasing the community’s commitment to helping students thrive as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
Knoxville – The annual SchoolMania event is set to return for its seventh year on July 26, 2025, promising to be the largest giveaway of school supplies yet. Hosted by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs alongside local faith-based organizations, the event provides free school supplies to students ranging from preschool to 12th grade.
This year, the event anticipates distributing an unprecedented 8,000 supply bags filled with essential items for students. The bags are valued at over $60 each and include necessities such as notebooks, flashcards, scissors, pencils, crayons, and headphones. Last year, more than 6,000 backpacks and over 7,000 bags of supplies were given away, showcasing the increasing demand for assistance as school supply lists grow more extensive each year.
The SchoolMania event will take place in the parking lot of the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of early arrival. Visitors are encouraged to park at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive and follow a designated one-way traffic flow to exit onto Magnolia Avenue.
Families will find this opportunity especially valuable as back-to-school expenses can accumulate significantly. Research shows that families spend an average of $628 per child on clothing and school supplies each year. Community events like SchoolMania play a crucial role in alleviating some of the financial burdens faced by parents, allowing students to start the school year prepared.
In addition to SchoolMania, local churches are coordinating supply giveaway events throughout Knox County on the same day, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., extending the reach of support to even more families in need. The collaborative effort includes over 100 community volunteers dedicated to preparing the necessary supplies, reflecting the strong community engagement and support for local students.
This year’s sponsors for SchoolMania include Ole Ben Franklin Motors, Best Buy Metals, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville, highlighting the contributions of local businesses toward education and community well-being.
Knox County Schools will commence on August 7, while Blount County Schools will begin on July 31, and Oak Ridge Schools will start on July 28. As the back-to-school season approaches, additional events, including the 12th Annual Pack the Bus Drive (July 25-27) and the NAACP Back to School Fair (July 26), are also scheduled to support families in the region.
With the rise in the number of supplies required each year, SchoolMania exemplifies the collective effort of local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed. This community-centered initiative not only eases financial strain on families but also fosters an environment where all students can thrive as they head back to school.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBIR: SchoolMania Returns for Free School Supplies
- WATE: School Mania Eases Back-to-School Costs
- WBIR: SchoolMania Kicking Off
- WBIR: Free School Supply Giveaway Events
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Google Search: Back to School Costs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- Google News: School Supply Programs
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
