It’s almost time for backpacks, school supplies, firetrucks, crafts and a whole lot of community fun.

The Northern Nevada Dream Center is gearing up for its 8th Annual Back to School Bash on Friday, August 14, at 6 p.m. at Mills Park Pavilion in Carson City, with a goal of helping as many as 1,000 elementary students from Carson, Douglas, Storey and Lyon counties get ready for the new school year.

The free community event is about more than handing out backpacks. Families will be able to pick up school supplies and groceries, enjoy summer treats and activities, and connect with local organizations and community partners. Attendees will also have a chance to win a $250 Grocery Outlet gift card.

Parents will have access to a variety of family and community resources, including Carson City Health and Human Services, NVigate, Greater Nevada Credit Union, NAMI, The Children’s Cabinet, CareSource, and Nevada Urban Indians. These organizations will be available to share information and connect families with resources that can support them throughout the year.

There will be plenty for kids to see and do, including a hands-on craft project hosted by Home Depot (North Carson) and the chance to check out firetrucks and meet local firefighters.

Carson City Sheriff’s Department School Resource Officers will also be there to meet students and families before the school year begins. The Carson City Lions Club will provide vision screenings for children, giving families an opportunity to take care of an important back-to-school need while they’re at the event.

The Back to School Bash is made possible by a community of sponsors, businesses, organizations, and volunteers. This year’s Title Sponsors are Carson City Toyota, Panasonic, and LifePoint Church.

“Every year, we see this community come together in an incredible way for local kids,” said Susan Sorenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Northern Nevada Dream Center. “It takes all of us to make this happen, and we are grateful to every sponsor, partner, volunteer, and organization helping make sure children know their community is behind them.”

For families facing the rising costs of groceries, housing, and everyday necessities, getting children ready for school can be another significant expense. The Back to School Bash is one way the Northern Nevada Dream Center and its community partners are working to ease some of that burden while creating a fun, positive experience for local kids.

There is still time for community members to help sponsor a student. A student sponsorship helps provide a local child with the supplies and resources they need to head back to school prepared. Those interested in sponsoring a student can find details at nndreamcenter.org/b2sb.

Now in its eighth year, the event has become a favorite community tradition and a great example of what can happen when local businesses, nonprofits, first responders, service organizations, and volunteers come together around a common goal: helping local kids start the school year feeling prepared and supported.

Back to School Bash

Friday, August 14, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Mills Park Pavilion, Carson City

Families are invited to come enjoy the evening and take advantage of the resources, activities, and giveaways available. Community members interested in volunteering or supporting the Northern Nevada Dream Center can contact NNDC for more information.

The Northern Nevada Dream Center is a volunteer-driven nonprofit serving individuals and families throughout Northern Nevada through programs addressing hunger, poverty, homelessness, addiction, education, and crisis needs.

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