First Day Festival

First Day Festival shift to Focus on School Supply Donations!

Every August since 2004, the City of Charleston has welcomed thousands of students and their families from the region to the First Day Festival, where children receive school supplies, learn about healthy snacks, and enjoy Festival entertainment!  Families receive information on services available to them and for several years the Lowcountry Food Bank has provided a large scale food distribution providing attendees with fresh food and produce.

The goal is to provide families with a fun day together so that the children start the school year off excited to learn!  Admission to the SC Aquarium is FREE during the hours of the festival, and boat rides are offered on a limited basis at no cost to attendees as well. The Festival is made possible through contributions from individuals and businesses alike. The First Day Festival is a wonderful way to unite the community around an important cause.

2020 is a challenging year for all of us, so we won't be able to welcome everyone to the Festival, but that will not stop us from supporting students as they return to school, whether it be in the classroom or virtually.  To that end, we are currently seeing School Supply Donations!  Supplies can be dropped off at City Recreation Facilities, and drop off sites are listed on the attached flyer.

City of Charleston School Supply Drive 2020!

Support our Students, Host a School Supply Drive 

We welcome everyone to bring donations to City facilities, but also seek to support Businesses and Community Groups that may want to run their own drive!  Please let us know if you need assistance connecting to schools or communities in need, and any other ways we can be of assistance. 

School Supply Distribution

Once supplies are collected, we will provide further information regarding how supplies will be distributed.  If you have any questions regarding this, please contact Mindy Sturm at 843-965-4190, or by email at sturmm@charleston-sc.gov..

Additional School Supply Drive/Distribution Information:

Wadmalaw School Supply Drive Distribution