Fatherhood United × Laced Up 815
Registration Status

Restoring Fathers. Rebuilding Families. Reviving Communities.

Your kids start the school year ready.
And it's all free.

Free backpacks loaded with supplies. Free shoes. Free haircuts. Food, games, and prizes — Laced Up 815's 4th Annual Back to School Event, backed by Fatherhood United. Free for the whole family.

Date Aug 2, 2026 Noon – 4 PM
Location The Sport Factory Downtown Rockford
Cost Free While supplies last
Registration Status Pre-registration is currently closed — see details below. Walk-ins are welcome at the event.
Free Backpacks
& School Supplies
Free Shoes,
Haircuts & More
Food, Drinks
& Fun
Games, Prizes
& Family Fun
Why We're Doing This

This isn't a handout line. It's a family day.

Back-to-school season is where the pressure hits hardest. Supply lists, new shoes, haircuts before the first day — it adds up fast, and it adds up for every kid in the house.

This is Laced Up 815's 4th Annual Back to School Event — and they've donated every backpack and all the school supplies to the community. Four years of showing up for Rockford's kids. That's real.

Fatherhood United is proud to team up and support them this year — and we'd love to see more dads come out. Not standing in a line, but spending the day with their kids while the whole community shows up for them.

Strong Fathers → Stronger Families Strong Families → Stronger Communities United in Purpose Built Today, Better Tomorrow
Registration Update

Pre-registration is now closed.

We've closed pre-registration for this year's event. If you already registered, you're all set — you'll have access to the priority line on event day.

Didn't get a chance to register? No problem — walk-ins are welcome. Shoes, backpacks, school supplies, and food are available first come, first served, while supplies last. We'd recommend arriving early.

What's available — all free
  • A backpack loaded with school supplies
  • A new pair of shoes
  • A fresh haircut, first-day ready
  • Food & drinks for the whole family
  • Games, prizes & a full family day
While supplies lastThanks to Laced Up 815 & community partners
Registration Update

Unfortunately, Registration Is Closed

We've reached our pre-registration limit for this year's event. If you already registered, you're confirmed — just bring the whole family and check in when you arrive.

Haven't registered? Walk-ins are still welcome. Shoes, backpacks, supplies, and food are first come, first served while supplies last — we recommend arriving early. Doors open at noon.

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Questions

Good to know.

Is it really free?

Yes. Backpacks, supplies, shoes, haircuts, food — all of it, no cost, while supplies last. Laced Up 815 has donated every backpack and all the school supplies, and Fatherhood United and community partners are backing the rest.

Do I have to be a dad to bring my kids?

No. Every parent, guardian, grandparent, and caregiver is welcome — moms, aunties, grandmas, all of it. This year, Fatherhood United is especially encouraging dads to come out and share the day with their kids, but this event is for the whole family.

I didn't get to register — can I still come?

Yes. Pre-registration is closed, but walk-ins are always welcome. Shoes, backpacks, and supplies are first come, first served while they last, so we'd recommend arriving early. Doors open at noon.