Delaware
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Mike Roorda, Reviewed
It’s just about that time again, the time to think about heading back to school.
From pens, pencils and notebooks, to rulers, erasers and that fancy calculator — returning to the classroom comes with a familiar list of needs for your students. So, it’s also the time to get out for any items you couldn’t fish out from drawers or recover in old backpacks.
Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, electronics and school supplies, as reported by USA TODAY. That’s $15 less than last year’s record, $890.07, but is the second-highest amount in the history of National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics’ annual survey.
Doors are opening for many districts the last week in August or the first in September.
“Back-to-school should be a time of excitement and anticipation, but for many families in Delaware, it is a period of financial stress and worry,” writes United Way of Delaware ahead of this 2024-25 school year.
For families worried about this bottom line, we looked to map out some organizations and opportunities for free supplies in Delaware. This list will be updated.
[Note: This list will be updated periodically. Come back to Delaware Online/The News Journal for more back-to-school resource events. Have another school supply drive or event families should know about? Please share it with us: kepowers@gannett.com]
‘Largest backpack distribution,’ school supply drive coming for Delaware Chase Center – Aug. 2
“Cradles to Crayons” will be hosting its Backpack-A-Thon to provide new school supplies to students in Delaware.
That’s from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 2, in Wilmington’s Chase Center on the Riverfront. Doors at 815 Justison St. open at 8 a.m.
More than 200 corporate volunteers will join the Philadelphia organization to fill “thousands of backpacks” with new school supplies for Delaware children living with low household income or navigating housing insecurity, according to a press release from organizers.
“It is part of a larger effort to serve more than 72,000 children in the Tri-State area with new backpacks and school supplies ahead of the new school year,” the organization wrote. “C2C will also provide clothing and hygiene essentials to help students feel ready to learn from head to toe.”
Are schools asking too much Many parents say yes, as back-to-school shopping begins
‘Family Resource Academy and Resource Fair’ gets set in Seaford – Aug. 3
Free resource tables, free health screenings, free food, bounce houses, live music: The agenda for this one-day family event in Seaford is packed.
A “Family Resource Academy and Resource Fair” is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, at Seaford High. That’s at 399 N. Market St.
Different programs line the event schedule. It will pull together guest speakers from the University of Delaware, the ACLU of Delaware, Rodel Foundation, Children and Families First and many more. This all comes alongside educational workshops, advocacy development training and even a vet clinic for cats and dogs.
Preregistration online is encouraged, and anyone interested in more information can call 302-551-9663.
‘School Supply Bazaar,’ backpack giveaway outside Wilmington – Aug. 10
The One Step At A Time Foundation, New Castle PAL and J.P. Morgan Chase are joining forces to host a community day, filled with bookbags, activities and food.
The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, inside the parking lot of the Garfield Park PAL. That’s the Police Athletic League of Delaware location at 26 Karlyn Drive, between New Castle and Wilmington.
A guardian must be present to reach a backpack, according to organizers, as the “School Supply Bazaar” looks to set students up for the next year. This will join games, food vendors and more.
Wilmington shelter to host backpack and supply giveaway – Aug. 10
Sunday Breakfast Mission is preparing to giveaway free backpacks “stuffed” with school supplies this month.
The free family event starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, likely outside at the 110 N. Poplar St. location.
While coming to Sunday Breakfast Mission usually starts with shelter and a meal for men struggling with addiction or housing instability — the outfit will again turn to school supplies to support young students, too. During the “Back to School Rally,” students and guardians must be present for the giveaway, though no preregistration is required.
“Your child doesn’t want to miss a chance to start the school year off right, with a backpack stuffed full of supplies and a message of hope!” the mission wrote.
Sneaker giveaway for 100 students at William Penn High – Aug. 10
Colonial School District’s largest back-to-school event will come at William Penn High School.
Some 100 students among those registered will get free shoes, in the third-annual sneaker giveaway with district partner Kool Kolored Kid Generation. That registration had already neared 300 by July 31. The first 100 students who walk in will also get free backpacks from Community Cares of Delaware, as well as some “surprise items” not determined.
The event looks to support students from Christina, Brandywine, Colonial and Red Clay school districts in grades 6 to 12. It will bring together vendors, pre-event pep rallies, live music, cheerleaders, games, giveaways, vendors — and even guest celebrity speakers from Delaware, according to the event page.
The entire event runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. And that’s from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. for the sneaker giveaway and all other giveaways from 1:30 to 2:30 on Saturday, Aug. 10.
“Let’s create a ripple effect of positivity and possibility together!” Colonial organizers wrote online.
‘1,000 Bookbags for 1,000 Delaware Students’ United Way giveaways in Dover and Wilmington – Aug. 10, 17
The United Way of Delaware is eyeing “1,000 Bookbags for 1,000 Delaware Students” within its annual Bookbag Giveaway and Resource Fair. The giveaways are spread between two events.
- 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 Dover Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17Wilmington Public Library, 10 E 10th St.
“Without these critical items, our children’s success in the classroom and confidence are in jeopardy,” the organization writes on the event webpage. “United Way of Delaware’s 4th Annual Bookbag Giveaway and Resource Fair helps to lift this burden for local families by providing bookbags and essential school supplies for students.”
Organizers are also looking for online donations and volunteers to help fuel the events.
Haircuts, BBQ and a new school year in New Castle – Aug. 22
Castle Hills Elementary will host a “Back to School Night BBQ” later this month.
That’s from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, on the elementary school grounds at 502 Moores Lane.
Not only will it have free food and music for the local community, but free haircuts are also likely to be available thanks to cosmetology students from the Paul Mitchell the School. According to Colonial School District, it tends to be well attended.
Free ‘Back To School Movie Night’ at New Castle Community Center – Aug. 24
New Castle Community Center is hosting a “fun-filled Back-to-School Movie Night and Book Bag Giveaway” to bring families together ahead of the school year.
That’s from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, outside of the New Castle County Community Center. Registration online is encouraged.
The event aims to deliver more than the feature film — with giveaways of backpacks filled with school supplies, food stalls, games and even free haircuts from local barbers and hairstylists. Organizers cautioned to arrive early with your blankets and lawn chairs, to “settle in for an evening of cinematic fun” at dusk.
This list will be updated periodically. Come back to Delaware Online/The News Journal for more back-to-school resource events. Have another school supply drive or event families should know about? Please share it with us: kepowers@gannett.com
Measles in Pennsylvania worries Delaware health officals
Delaware health officials are on high alert as measles cases rise in Pennsylvania.
As measles cases increase in Pennsylvania, Delaware health officials say they are on high alert, warning that “infectious diseases don’t care about state borders.”
Dr. Ayanna Buckner, chief physician in the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Epidemiology, said as of July 9, Delaware did not yet have any confirmed measles cases.
But she noted the state is vulnerable given its close proximity to outbreak locations, prior exposure incidents in Delaware and the highly contagious nature of the disease.
She also noted Delaware has already encountered potential measles threats this year, including an exposure linked to an out-of-state patient who sought treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital and the detection of measles in a Lewes wastewater sample.
“We do feel that our Delaware community is at high risk,” Buckner said. “We spend so much time doing investigations around infectious diseases, and measles is the one that we are on pins and needles about this summer.”
As of July 8, Pennsylvania had 101 confirmed measles cases so far in 2026, up from 94 on July 6. The majority of those were in Lancaster County – 60 total cases this year, including 52 since late April – and Lebanon County – 20 cases. These counties do not border Delaware.
However, four cases have been confirmed in Chester County since April. Chester borders the First State.
“We can’t say, ‘Oh, that’s over there in that state; we’re [OK],’” Buckner said. “Again, because infectious diseases don’t respect state borders.”
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. Quotations are verbatim.
Question: How concerned should Delaware residents be about measles?
Answer: So far this year, the Division of Public Health has issued two health alerts about measles. The first was in February, when an unvaccinated resident of another state who was infected sought treatment at the Nemours Children’s Hospital emergency department. Health officials notified anyone who was potentially exposed and conducted contact tracing.
The second alert came in April, after routine wastewater testing in Lewes detected measles in a water sample.
“We were concerned that a measles case would pop up in Delaware, but that never happened. So we are making a guess that perhaps someone was traveling through the area. But again, if someone with measles travels through here, they could still potentially expose people that they come in contact with in Delaware.”
If a fully vaccinated person is exposed to measles, then visits or cares for an unvaccinated person, what’s the risk to the unvaccinated person?
Everything in the study of infectious diseases is a risk calculation, and a situation like that would be considered low risk. But “that is why vaccination is so important.”
What would you say to someone who is hesitant about vaccination?
“I cannot give a stronger recommendation for them, especially at this time. And I say especially at this time because every meeting I’m in, when I’m meeting with other states, when I’m attending national meetings, we’re always talking about measles.”
Given large-scale public events throughout the region this summer, such as the FIFA World Cup and American 250th anniversary events, “one of our biggest concerns is measles.”
My child isn’t old enough to be vaccinated. Are there common sense precautions I can take?
The first dose for infants is usually given between 12 and 15 months. Some states with outbreaks are recommending that babies get them earlier. Delaware is not one of them. However, it has long been recommended that a baby six months old or older who is planning to travel abroad get the measles vaccine.
“Be thoughtful about prevention and be really vigilant. If someone is telling you they’ve got a rash, they’ve got a cough, really try not to be around them. So often folks are like, ‘Oh, I can’t miss work,’ or ‘I don’t want to miss this playdate.’ But if someone’s sick, don’t bring your baby around.”
If I suspect myself or my child has measles, should I show up unannounced at a doctor’s office?
No. Call ahead and follow the health care facility’s instructions.
Are adults who were vaccinated decades ago still protected?
If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune. If you were fully vaccinated, you’re also considered immune. If you’re concerned, however, your doctor can order a blood test to check for immunity. Such testing is fairly common.
“When we are doing a measles investigation, the first thing we ask is, ‘Are you vaccinated? Can you show us proof of vaccination?’ If we can’t find it in our Delaware database, then we ask people, ‘Can you show us your records?’ If people don’t have them, then we think about whether we need to recommend prophylaxis. But one of the steps in between is people will frequently go and have their (blood) drawn, which can demonstrate immunity.”
If a measles case is identified in Delaware, what happens next?
The process begins by identifying those who were exposed and inquiring about vaccine status. Then, health officials will “make appropriate recommendations about prophylaxis” – or a measure taken to prevent a disease from occurring before it becomes an active illness.
“We will also work with facilities depending on what type of facility it was. If it’s a hospital, we usually can get names and make phone calls to them. But sometimes it’s a public event, and we don’t have someone who can just give us all the names, so we will use social media and/or provide a letter that the facility can provide to inform people. I strongly encourage everyone to follow the Division of Public Health social media pages … We also strongly encourage health professionals, school leaders, business leaders, as appropriate, to sign up for our Delaware Health Alert notification, and that’s on our website.”
Which famous people have visited Hotel du Pont in Delaware?
Athletes, world leaders, actors and other famous people have visited the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington over the years.
Southern rap icon 2 Chainz is coming for Delaware’s neck this summer in a special event highlighting his recently released New York Times Bestseller, “The Voice in My Head is God.”
This book talk is set for Wilmington Public Library on July 21. Folks interested in attending are required to purchase the book at registration. The cost of a ticket includes the book.
Here’s what to know about 2 Chainz, “The Voice in My Head is God” and how he was involved in one of the greatest hip-hop concerts that Delaware never got to see.
Who is rap star 2 Chainz?
Tauheed Epps, better known by the stage name 2 Chainz, is a 48-year-old Georgia native who used to rap under the controversial moniker Ti– Boi when he was a member of the duo Playaz Circle, alongside his friend Dolla Boy. In 2007, the duo signed to Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), a label that operated under Def Jam, according to an article from Revolt.TV.
That same year, Playaz Circle dropped the major song “Duffle Bag Boy” featuring Lil Wayne. The Atlanta-area rapper eventually went solo and began his journey as a trap music icon who switched his name to 2 Chainz, under which he’s gained a ridiculous amount of music collaborations and success.
According to RIAA.com, 2 Chainz has racked up over a dozen singles and albums combined that have each gone platinum (including “I’m Different” and “Based on a T.R.U. Story”). That doesn’t even include the multiple guest records he’s appeared on that have gone platinum, too.
From Lil Wayne to Drake, 2 Chainz has worked with everyone
Some of the artists 2 Chainz has teamed with include Quavo and Gucci (“Good Drank”), Wiz Khalifa on the song “We Own It” (Fast and Furious) and J Cole (“Chris Tucker”), plus repeat collabs with artists like Kanye West (“Champions,” “The One”), Drake (“Sacrifices,” “No Lie”) and a joint album with Lil Wayne (“Welcome 2 Collegegrove”).
The rapper 2 Chainz has been nominated for six Grammys Awards and won his first in 2017 for Best Rap Performance on Chance The Rapper’s tune “No Problem.”
That time 2 Chainz brought in LeBron James
Thinking outside of the box, 2 Chainz brought on LeBron James (yep, the same NBA superstar who reportedly is considering signing with the Philadelphia 76ers) as an A&R for his 2019 album: “Rap or Go To the League,” Billboard reported.
2 Chainz releases new book, ‘The Voice in My Head is God’
The rapper’s new book released this past spring and highlights how 2 Chainz, raised by a single mom while his dad served prison time, chose to step away from the streets and discovered “his purpose: not by fame or fear, but by faith,” per the book’s synopsis on Amazon.
“In his most personal work yet, Grammy Award–winning rapper 2 Chainz shares the spiritual journey behind his success, offering a raw, reflective, and deeply motivational meditation on the inner voice that’s guided him his whole life: God.”
2 Chainz and the super Delaware concert that never was
One of Delaware’s greatest hip-hop concerts to never happen was supposed to include several rap legends a few years ago, and 2 Chainz was one of them.
This super concert was titled “Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 Tour,” a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, and it was set to be held at Frawley’s Stadium in Wilmington in 2023.
The tour stop to Delaware was slated to feature a lineup that included a blend of contemporary rappers and pioneers such as Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Fat Joe, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, EPMD, Rakim and Slick Rick.
Just days before the event, however, The Grand in Wilmington announced on social media that the plug had been pulled on the concert “due to circumstances beyond our control.”
A big reason the event was sunk is likely due to the price of tickets, which were initially $170 per person. The Grand offered the same tickets for $100 on Facebook not long before the show was canceled.
This upcoming book talk with 2 Chainz should be redemption for Delaware fans who missed him because of the canceled tour stop in 2023.
How much are tickets to see 2 Chainz in Delaware?
Interested guests are required to purchase 2 Chainz’s new book, “The Voice in my Head is God,” to attend his Delaware book talk. The price of ticketed admission is $28.52 and includes the book. Be warned: Tickets may not be available if you wait too long. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.
Where in Delaware is 2 Chainz for his book talk?
Wilmington Public Library (10 E. 10th St., Wilmington) from 6 to 8 p.m. July 21. For more information, visit facebook.com/WilmingtonLibraryDE or Wilmington Public Library’s Eventbrite page or call (302) 571-7400.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
Is Jersey Mike’s the new fast‑food king? How it beat Chick‑fil‑A
Jersey Mike’s beats Chick-fil-A for top customer satisfaction in ACSI study; praised for fresh, made-to-order subs.
Plans for one of the nation’s most popular fast-food chains to open a location in the city of Delaware are moving forward.
Chick-fil-A is planning a new 5,033-square-foot restaurant with a double drive-through lane on a nearly 2-acre site on Delaware’s east side.
The development plans are headed to Delaware City Council after the city’s Planning Commission approved them July 1.
This location would be the first Chick-fil-A in the city of Delaware, but not in the county. The chain has a location in Lewis Center and three in the Polaris area, according to the company’s website.
The popular chicken restaurant, a Chipotle location and other to-be-announced restaurants and retail are part of a new Trailhead Crossing development planned on the eastern edge of Delaware near Sunbury Road (State Route 36) and Sky View Lane, documents indicate. City council approved rezoning the site in February.
Get more Delaware County news: Subscribe to The Dispatch’s free weekly Delaware County newsletter, The Delaware Dispatch.
The restaurant will include 92 indoor seats, an outdoor patio with 20 seats and 68 parking spots, planning documents show.
An internal access drive connecting to Sky View Lane from the west and Biltmore Drive from the north will be built within the site and will connect to all the lots within the Trailhead Crossing development. The access from Sky View Lane will be right-in/right-out only. The site will not have access directly from Sunbury Road, city documents state.
Chris Tebbe, an engineer with the Dublin-based firm Tebbe Civil Engineering, didn’t know an exact opening date for the restaurant, but said once plans are approved by the City Council, crews will be working on the location this year into next year.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
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