Each year, the YMCA of Central Kentucky, in partnership with Fayette County Public Schools, sponsors, and community partners, hosts the annual neighborhood Back to School Rallies.
The rallies provide elementary, middle, and high school students with free, full-size backpacks and school supplies. Each site distributes supplies for all grade levels. The Back to School Rallies is an initiative of the Y, which has served as the central coordinator of this event since 2011. Since that time, more than 52,000 backpacks have been given out to children in Central Kentucky communities.
This year's event will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration will be in-person, the day of the event
- 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Registration and sign-up
- 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Music, games, food, and more
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Backpack distribution
Participating locations:
- Caroline Memorial YMCA Program Center, Nicholasville
- North Lexington Family YMCA
- Russell Cave Church of Christ
- Shiloh Baptist Church
- Tates Creek Community Center
- Valley Park
If you are interested in directly supporting this community initiative with a financial donation, please make an online donation. It only costs $20 to supply a single child with a backpack and supplies.
To get connected to a site to volunteer on Saturday, August 2, please complete this form or email Erin Andrews, Mission Advancement Program Director.
Special thanks to our sponsor Setzer Properties.