Impact LA plans 7th annual Kobe Day backpack giveaway in South LA

Impact LA will host its 7th Annual Kobe Day Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Aug. 8 at Barack Obama Charter School in South Los Angeles, with more than 2,500 backpacks, free health screenings, community resources and a new Kobe Bryant mural. The event is designed to help thousands of children and families start the school year with supplies, support and local services.

Why it matters: - The South Los Angeles event is one of the area’s largest free back-to-school celebrations. - More than 2,500 students will receive backpacks and school supplies. - The giveaway pairs school supplies with health services, food and community resources for families who need broad support before the school year starts. - The event honors Kobe Bryant’s legacy of excellence, service and youth inspiration.

What happened: - Impact LA announced the 7th Annual Kobe Day Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway for Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The event will take place at Barack Obama Charter School, 13305 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90061. - Impact LA expects thousands of children and families to attend. - The day will include the official unveiling of a new community mural at the school.

The details: - More than 2,500 free backpacks will be filled with school supplies. - More than 30 nonprofit organizations and community partners will provide free resources and services. - Free physical exams, blood pressure screenings and glucose screenings will be available. - Families will have access to health and wellness resources. - The event will offer free food and refreshments. - Live entertainment, music, family activities, games and giveaways are part of the program. - Educational resources and youth engagement opportunities will be available on site. - Los Angeles muralist Gustavo Zermeno Jr., also known as @gz.jr, created the mural. - The mural will pay tribute to Kobe Bryant while celebrating the dreams, resilience and potential of students and families in the community. - The mural will become a permanent part of the school campus. - Impact LA lists community partners including Barack Obama Charter School, Karina's Backpack Project, Baby2Baby, Liquid Death and Fortis Enterprises. - Sponsors include Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, L.A. Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center, TriState Community Healthcare, DLR Group, PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, National Breast Cancer Foundation and Pristine Grillz.

Between the lines: - Kobe Day has grown into a signature annual event for Impact LA since its inception. - The event brings together nonprofits, healthcare providers, schools, businesses, volunteers and community leaders across Los Angeles County. - The mural is meant to be a lasting symbol of inspiration, perseverance and community pride. - Impact LA framed the mural as an investment that will continue to support the community after the event ends.

What's next: - Families can get more information at Impact LA or by following @ImpactLA on social media. - The organization will host the giveaway and mural unveiling on Aug. 8. - The event will continue Impact LA’s annual effort to connect students and families with resources before the school year begins.

The bottom line: - Impact LA is turning Kobe Day into a full-service back-to-school event that combines school supplies, health care, youth activities and community pride in one day.