Potomac families won't need to trek across the county for free school supplies this year.

Montgomery County Public Schools has replaced its traditional single-site Back-to-School Fair with six regional events on Saturday, Aug. 22, three days before the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The Potomac-area event is the 18th annual Park Potomac Ice Cream Social & Backpack Drive, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12435 Park Potomac Avenue. Organized by Potomac Lifestyle Magazine, the free event features ice cream, live entertainment, face painting and school supply donations benefiting Interfaith Works. Registration on Eventbrite closes Aug. 3.

MCPS split the fairs into morning and afternoon blocks to reach working parents and families who rely on public transit.

"Transitioning from a single central event to six regional back-to-school fairs prioritizes equity, accessibility and convenience for all families," Liliana López, MCPS public information officer, told MyMCMedia on Thursday.

López said bringing resources into neighborhoods removes transit barriers and lets families connect with the staff and community partners serving their immediate area.

Supply drives and donations

The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless is collecting backpacks, school supplies, and $50 shoe gift cards for children in supportive housing, according to MyMCMedia. The organization's website lists drop-off details.

All Saints Church in Chevy Chase will host a drive-thru supply drop-off and community paper shredding event on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 10 a.m.

For families who can't attend a physical event, the MCPS Educational Foundation's GIVE BACKpacks campaign accepts online donations year-round. A $20 contribution provides one student with supplies; giving levels scale up to $300 for a classroom and $6,500 for an elementary school.