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Thousands of students across New York's Southern Tier can pick up a free backpack July 26 as part of a national back-to-school giveaway organized by Round Room LLC.
The company will distribute more than $3 million worth of backpacks at participating TCC and Wireless Zone stores across the country, according to a community announcement. Local events are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at seven participating locations in Bath, Corning, Elmira, Hornell, Painted Post and Watkins Glen.
Families may receive one backpack per child who is present at the event, while supplies last. Organizers said more than 140,000 backpacks are expected to be distributed nationwide during the giveaway.
Round Room said any backpacks remaining after local events will be donated to schools selected by individual stores.Participating locations include:
- 353 W. Morris St. in Bath
- 48 E. Market St. in Corning
- 1100 Clemens Center Parkway, Suite A, in Elmira
- 37 Main St. in Hornell
- 1000 State Route 36, Suite 7, in Hornell
- 3135 Silverback Lane, Suite 102, in Painted Post
- 800 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen
The company's "School Rocks Backpack Giveaway" is being held for the 14th consecutive year. Since the program began, more than 1.6 million backpacks have been provided to students and families nationwide, according to the announcement.
"Back-to-school costs continue to put pressure on many families, and something as simple as a backpack can make a meaningful impact,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room. “For 14 years, our backpack giveaway has been one of the most memorable days of the year for our employees, franchisees, and local communities, as we come together to help students start the school year with confidence. Backpacks are essential for students and we’re grateful we can give families one less thing to worry about.”
Round Room said 47 stores nationwide will include a special "Golden Ruler" backpack containing a keychain that can be redeemed for a $250 Visa gift card. The company said the gift cards are intended to help families purchase additional school necessities, including shoes, lunchboxes and writing supplies.
According to the announcement, families are expected to spend an average of $922 on back-to-school supplies this year, with nearly half of parents anticipating higher costs than they faced in 2025.
Round Room said philanthropic programs are a central part of its operations, including local backpack giveaways, support for teachers, pet rescues and people affected by domestic violence.
The company said it has donated more than $11 million through a community grant program that has benefited more than 2,000 nonprofit organizations.
Round Room is a Verizon-authorized retailer whose portfolio includes TCC, Wireless Zone and Culture of Good. The company operates more than 1,400 retail locations across 43 states.
More information about the company and its charitable initiatives is available at roundroom.com.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: 'School Rocks' event offers free backpacks to students. Here's where
