August 15, 2026

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Rain or Shine)

Helping Local Kids Start School with Confidence


School-A-Palooza is a community event focused on helping students head back to school with the essentials they need — and the confidence to succeed. Each year, we provide backpacks, school essentials, and support to families right here in our community.


A Look at Last Year

Highlights from 2025

  • 961 families served (3,072 kids)
  • 2,847 backpacks
  • 35,850 school supplies
  • 3,000+ pairs of shoes
  • 2,197 winter coats
  • Hundreds of winter hats
  • 963 Bibles (in English & Spanish) 
  • Thousands of pancakes

School-A-Palooza is made possible by people in our church and businesses in our community.


Be Part of School-A-Palooza


School-A-Palooza is a unique opportunity to connect with our community, whether you’re receiving support or helping make the event possible. If you live in Dakota or Scott Counties and your family could benefit from back-to-school assistance, we invite you to register your kids to receive backpacks, shoes, school essentials, and more. If Berean is your church home, there are many ways to get involved — serving, donating supplies, or giving financially — all of which help make a real impact. And for local businesses, this is an opportunity to partner with Berean to tangibly serve local families while being recognized by the community.

Register Your Family

REGISTRATION OPENS ON JUNE 1.

Give Financially

GIVE HERE

Become a Business Partner

Give Here

Volunteer

REGISTRATION OPENS IN JULY.
(for Berean attendees only) 

SCHOOL ESSENTIALS – BACKPACKS – SHOES – WINTER COATS – HOT BREAKFAST

FAQs for Attendees

When and where is School-A-Palooza?

School-A-Palooza is on Saturday, August 15, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (rain or shine) at Berean.

Berean is located in Burnsville on County Road 42, just east of Hwy 35 E. Our address is 309 County Road 42 East, Burnsville, MN 55306.

On the day of the event, please keep in mind that we stop allowing guests into the building promptly at 12 pm. If you are checked in at 12 pm, you will be asked to finish collecting your items by 12:30 pm.

Who is School-A-Palooza for, and how do I register? 

School-A-Palooza serves families from Berean and neighboring communities in Dakota and Scott counties with children in grades K–12 who could use extra support for the upcoming school year.

Registration opens on June 1, and pre-registration is required. Once registration is available, please register HERE.

What should I expect when I arrive?

Parking & Arrival
Our parking team will be here to help guide you. We have a large parking lot near Door #1, with additional parking along the side and back of the building. 

Line & Timing
School-A-Palooza is a well-attended event, and many guests arrive early in the morning. The check-in line will form outside Door #1. Please head to the back of the line upon arrival.

Wait Times & Preparation
You will experience wait times at check-in and at various stations throughout the morning. Because the check-in line will form outside, please come dressed for the weather. Water stations and portable restrooms will be available outside for your convenience.

Check-In Process
Check-in is required before visiting any stations. At check-in, you will receive a School-A-Palooza booklet. Please keep this booklet with you at all times, as it serves as your ticket to receive items throughout the event.

Language Support
Interpreters will be available in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian.

What items will I receive?

Families who attend School-A-Palooza will receive the following FREE items (while supplies last):

  • HOT breakfast for the whole family
  • NEW backpacks & school essentials 
  • NEW winter coats
  • NEW shoes

In addition, families will have opportunities to connect with community resources, and, weather permitting, there will be bounce houses outside for the kids, as well as opportunities for meet-and-greets and photos with Burnsville First Responders.

Please note that School-A-Palooza is a first-come, first-served event, and all items are available while supplies last.

Who can I bring with me?

You’re welcome to bring your children, as well as another adult to help carry your items or hold your place in line.

Your children do not need to be present to receive items; however, each child must be registered under your name. If you choose to bring young children, please keep in mind that there will be extended wait times.

Weather permitting, there will be activities for kids outside, including bounce houses and opportunities for meet-and-greets and photos with Burnsville First Responders.

What happens if it rains?

School-A-Palooza will take place rain or shine, so please plan accordingly for the weather.

In the event of rain, breakfast will be moved indoors, and outdoor activities — such as the bounce houses and other entertainment — will be canceled.

If severe weather occurs while you are waiting outside to check in, we will ask you to return to your vehicle for safety.

 

FAQs for Volunteers, Donors, & Sponsors

How can I donate items?

We invite you to begin donating the following items now to support families attending the event:

  • NEW backpacks
  • NEW shoes
  • NEW winter coats
  • NEW winter hats

Donations can be dropped off in the designated School-A-Palooza bins in the Berean Commons anytime our doors are open.

How can I give financially?

We invite you to give online at any time leading up to the event.

Your generosity helps us purchase essential supplies and make School-A-Palooza possible. Thank you for supporting local families and making a tangible impact in our community.

How can I volunteer?

Registration for volunteers opens in July. Volunteers must attend Berean and be at least 12 years old to serve (kids age 10 and up are welcome to serve if serving alongside a parent). Once registration is available, please sign up HERE.

There are many ways to serve at School-A-Palooza — whether it’s welcoming families, assisting guests at each station, serving breakfast, directing traffic, or interpreting for families whose first language isn’t English. We also need volunteers in the days leading up to the event to help sort items, organize supplies, and assist with setup during event week.

Most volunteer roles require standing for long periods and lifting. We have a limited number of roles for those needing to sit. If you require sitting, please contact Erica Westphal.

Once registration is open, visit our volunteer sign-up page for a complete list of serving opportunities.

How can my business partner with School-A-Palooza?

School-A-Palooza provides backpacks, school essentials, and support to local families so kids can start the school year confidently and prepared. With nearly 1,000 families attending each year, this trusted community event is a simple way for your business to make a real, local impact while being recognized in front of families across our community. Watch a recap of last year's event for a glimpse of the impact.

As a business partner, you will:

  • Support local students and families in a tangible way.
  • Be recognized on screens before and after Berean's church services.
  • Be featured on event slides during School-A-Palooza.
  • Be included in the printed booklet handed to every School-A-Palooza attendee.
  • Be highlighted on Berean’s social media channels.

Please contact Alea Miller with any questions about becoming a School-A-Palooza business partner.