Micah House Back2School Jam provides 1,100 backpacks to local students

REDLANDS, Calif. — More than 1,100 students received backpacks filled with school supplies during Micah House’s 2026 Back2School Jam, an annual community event aimed at helping local families prepare for the start of the school year.

The event brought together dozens of community organizations to provide students with school supplies, books, haircuts and other resources.

Organizers distributed 1,100 backpacks filled with essential school supplies and gave away 30 bicycles and scooters. Street Shaves provided 100 free haircuts, while the A.K. Smiley Public Library and other partners distributed hundreds of new books and helped students sign up for library cards.

The Redlands Police Officers Association served 500 hot dogs during the event.

Families could also visit 32 community resource tables offering activities, information, refreshments and giveaways.

Entertainment included a foam pit, balloon animals, fairytale princesses, local mascots and an opportunity for children to explore a fire engine.

Micah House organizes the Back2School Jam each year to help families facing barriers that can make preparing for a new school year more difficult, including limited resources, demanding work schedules and language barriers.

The event was supported by local nonprofits, churches, businesses, public agencies and community organizations, including the city of Redlands, Redlands Police and Fire departments, A.K. Smiley Public Library, Redlands Community Hospital, Redlands Chamber of Commerce, Crafton Hills College and several other community partners.

Micah House also works with children and families throughout the year. Its after-school program provides students with academic support, mentoring and social-emotional support.

More information about Micah House and its programs is available through the organization’s website.