Alachua Verizon Wireless store will hold backpack giveaway on July 27
Press release from Round Room
ALACHUA, Fla. – On a single afternoon this July, thousands of team members and franchise owners will open their doors, ready to greet long lines of eager families. Furthering its commitment to supporting the communities it serves, Round Room, LLC – one of the country’s largest Verizon Authorized Retailers – is hosting its annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” at more than 1,200 of its TCC and Wireless Zone stores, offering complimentary backpacks to families for the upcoming school year.
Locally, the event will be held at the Verizon store at 15560 NW US Highway 441 in Alachua (near Hitchcock’s).
Now in its 13th year, Round Room’s “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” has become more than an event – it’s a moment of continued care for families preparing for the school year. On Sunday, July 27, at 1 p.m., over 1,200 TCC and Wireless Zone locations will give away more than 140,000 backpacks to students.
“This is one of those moments each year that reminds us why we do what we do,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room. “It’s not just about the backpacks, it’s about showing up for our neighbors. When our teams gather in stores across the country to give back on the same day, it’s a magical thing.”
This year’s event also marks the conclusion of Round Room’s first-ever “Stuff the Bus” campaign, a nationwide school supply drive held throughout June at its participating stores. Designed to provide essential classroom tools to under-resourced schools, the initiative rallied community members across five states. The finalists, each nominated by a local business, will receive the supplies collected in their area. Additionally, Round Room will be gifting one winning school a bus filled with nearly $40,000 of essential supplies during Backpack Giveaway.
“We know that for many families, back-to-school season is exciting, yet overwhelming,” added Moorehead. “The rising cost of everyday essentials is forcing parents to make hard choices, and a simple backpack can become one more financial stressor. That’s why this initiative matters. We want to ease that burden and help students walk into the classroom feeling confident and cared for.”
After years of inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty, families continue to feel the burden during back-to-school season. Last year, U.S. families spent an average of $875 on school supplies, with costs rising by almost 24% over the past five years. Nearly three‑quarters of parents expect to spend the same amount or more this year despite financial pressures. For families facing financial strain, purchasing a higher ticket item such as a backpack can be challenging, highlighting why community initiatives like Round Room’s “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” are more vital than ever.
Backpack Giveaway Details:
To find the closest participating store, visit the TCC and Wireless Zone websites and select the “Backpack Giveaway Participating Stores” filter.
Round Room has been able to provide more than 1.5 million children with a backpack since its inception in 2013, reflecting its strong commitment to supporting families and enriching the communities it serves.
Families are invited to attend their local event to pick up a complimentary backpack, one per present child and as supplies last, from over 1,200 participating locations in preparation for the new school year.