Over 5,000 school supplies were donated at this free community event featuring music, food, numerous vendors, and free student haircuts
Baltimore, Md. (August 30, 2025) – On Saturday, State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates and staff from the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City (SAO) hosted the 2nd Annual Back to School Cookout & Backpack Giveaway. During the summer, SAO employees and supporters donated school supplies, which were distributed to Baltimore City students at the event. The SAO distributed 1000 backpacks to hundreds of attendees at the Eastside District Court.
“All too often, we associate a prosecutor’s office solely with punishment. But it is important to remember that my prosecutors and I live and work in this city and want to see our young people thrive,” said State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates. “When our students are prepared for school, they are prepared to succeed and to become contributors to Baltimore. I will continue to host events like the community cookout to foster the meaningful and important relationship between residents and my office.”
The State’s Attorney’s Office hosted a contest to see who could donate the most school supplies among the various units. The winning team, which donated 1,170 items, was the Charging Division. In a close second was the Homicide team with nearly 950 items. In total, 5,165 backpacks and school supplies were donated.
The Back to School Cookout & Backpack Giveaway was made possible by the following supporters:
Above It All
Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore City Health Department
B360
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Maryland Department of Human Services
Baltimore City Department of Social Services
Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success
MedStar Health
Out For Justice
Safe Streets
Springboard Community Services
Wylie Funeral Home
Bro. Calvin & The UnDoOver Tour
DJ Boobie
Erricka Bridgeford & The Baltimore Peace Movement
A Brush of Art Dance Team
Office of the Register of Wills
Toys for Tots
Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court
Giant Foods
ShopRite