Mary Nelson's Annual "Youth Day Celebration"
See You Next Year!
2026 Annual School Supply Giveaway
Saturday, August 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Meachem Field, Syracuse, NY
Mary Nelson’s Annual Youth Day Celebration is a free, full-day community event — backpacks and school supplies for every registered student, plus food, music, family resources, and on-site community partners. Thank you to every family, volunteer, and sponsor who made the day happen.
Registration for the 2026 event is now closed. Watch this page for next year’s date.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
This year’s event was made possible by the generous support of:
Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation • Cumulus Media • Upstate Medical University • Syracuse City School District • American Eagle Outfitters • Wegmans • Solvay Bank • Coca-Cola Syracuse • Victoria’s Secret • Community Bank N.A. • Terakeet • Vanni Construction, LLC. • iHeartMedia • Walmart • Equitable • AmeriCU Credit Union
Partner Spotlight
Terakeet & Cause For The Cuse
Syracuse-based Terakeet is back again this year, supporting the Youth Day Celebration & Backpack Giveaway through its employee-founded nonprofit, Cause For The Cuse.
Since 2013, Cause For The Cuse has raised funds for school supplies, technology, and educational resources for students across the Syracuse City School District — the same students who line up at Meachem Field every August. Last year they stepped in with $10,000 when our backpacks ran low.
Youth Day Celebration & Backpack Giveaway
Since 2002, our community’s back-to-school kickoff—free backpacks, school supplies, and a full day of family resources and celebration.
Launched in 2002 in honor of Darryl Patterson, this annual celebration has grown from a neighborhood effort
into one of Central New York’s largest back-to-school drives. Each August, thousands of students receive
ready-to-learn backpacks and essentials—plus access to clothing, food, and wrap-around support.
- Built for students: grade-appropriate supplies, resources, and encouragement to start strong.
- Built for families: community partners on-site for food, clothing, health & education support.
- Built to last: year-round distribution continues after the main event, so no child is left behind.
First Year: 2002
Annual Attendance: 10,000+ each year
Peak Attendance: ~16,000 (2019)
Recent Scale: ~6,000 registered (2026)
Adapted for 2020: Virtual distribution with schools
Location: Syracuse’s South Side & community parks
