Thousands of South Florida families will pick up free backpacks, school supplies, uniforms and shoes at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, four days before Miami-Dade County Public Schools reopen Thursday, Aug. 13.

Style Saves, the Florida-based nonprofit founded by Rachael Russell Saiger, hosts its 16th annual Back-to-School Event at 1901 Convention Center Drive. The City of Miami Beach, a partner in this year's event, describes the giveaway as supporting approximately 20,000 local students and families annually.

"Every child should be excited about their first day of school," Saiger told Modern Luxury. "At Style Saves, we get to be a part of that."

This year's event transforms the convention center into a jungle-themed experience with morning and afternoon sessions both days. Beyond supplies, the two-day gathering includes interactive activities, entertainment and community partners working alongside volunteers.

How the event has grown

The organization has grown steadily. Its ninth annual event in 2019 served 7,500 students at Mana Wynwood Convention Center. By 2022, also at Mana Wynwood, that number topped 15,000. Style Saves' website reports 250,000 individuals served across all its back-to-school events and more than $1 million in yearly donor support.

Pre-registration is required. Families can sign up students at stylesaves.org. Space is limited.

Conflicting dates

The Miami Beach Convention Center's event listing confirms the Saturday-Sunday schedule. The city's webpage lists Aug. 7-9; Style Saves and the convention center list Aug. 8-9 as the public dates.

More Miami Beach events this August

  • Thursday, Aug. 6: International Ballet Festival of Miami free Contemporary Performance Open Stage, Euclid Oval, 690 Lincoln Road, 8-10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 9: Ocean Drive Association Promenade Concert Series featuring the Assel Jean-Pierre Trio, Lummus Park (free)
  • Sunday, Aug. 9: Rooftop Cinema Club screens Ratatouille, 1212 Lincoln Road, 6th floor
  • Thursday, Aug. 13: Rooftop Cinema Club screens The Princess Bride, 1212 Lincoln Road, 6th floor
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: Herpreneur Artisan Market, The Goodtime Hotel, 601 Washington Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 16: Rooftop Cinema Club screens The Princess Diaries, 1212 Lincoln Road, 6th floor