Round Room to distribute 140,000 backpacks in annual school drive

The "School Rocks Backpack Giveaway" will take place at 1 p.m. local time at participating TCC and Wireless Zone stores. While supplies last, children present at the events will receive a free backpack, continuing a tradition that has provided more than 1.6 million bags to students since its inception. This year, the initiative includes a "Golden Ruler" promotion: 47 randomly selected stores will hide a golden keychain in one backpack, granting the recipient a $250 Visa gift card for additional essentials like footwear and stationery.

CEO Scott Moorehead noted that the giveaway aims to provide students with a confident start to the academic year while alleviating financial strain on households. As inflationary pressures drive up the cost of education, the company plans to pair the distribution with local activities, ranging from obstacle courses to community-focused events. Round Room, which operates over 1,400 locations, has donated more than $11 million to various nonprofits through its broader philanthropic programs.