Braintree, August 22, 2025
News Summary
South Shore Plaza in Braintree is hosting a back-to-school celebration featuring free entertainment for kids, golf-themed activities, and a clothing drive. Scheduled for Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the event encourages families to donate essential clothing items to local children in need. Participating retailers will provide fun activities, and a yellow school bus will facilitate clothing donations, helping kids gear up for the new school year. The drive runs until September 1, just before classes resume on September 3.
Braintree
Back-to-School Celebration at South Shore Plaza Hits the Green
Hold onto your putter — South Shore Plaza in Braintree is teeing off a back-to-school celebration that mixes family fun with a good cause. The mall is hosting a lively event this Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Macy’s Center Court, with free entertainment for kids and plenty of chances to help local children gear up for the school year.
What’s on the Tee Sheet
If you like the quick-fire action of a short par-3, this event is for you. Expect face painting, balloon twisting, and a few surprise activities to keep little ones smiling between back-to-school runs. Participating retailers around the center court will hand out samples and run small activities — names on the roster include Golf Lounge 18, Build-a-Bear, Gong Cha, Lush, Earthbound Trading, It’Sugar, and J. Jill. For golf fans, seeing Golf Lounge 18 involved brings a familiar swing to the shopping scene.
A Clothing Drive That’s All Par and No Bogey
The celebration doubles as a Back-to-School Clothing Drive in partnership with a local nonprofit formed to fight childhood poverty. The goal is simple: collect everyday essentials for children from birth up to age 12. A bright yellow school bus display will be parked near the Macy’s selfie wall to make donating easy — shoppers can pick a tag off the bus that lists a needed clothing item, shop for that item, and return it to the location indicated on the tag.
The drive runs through September 1, just ahead of the first day of school for Braintree Public Schools on September 3. If you like to plan your season like a practice schedule, this gives you a clear deadline to swing by and drop off donations.
Where to Drop Off Donations
Two mall locations are acting as collection points: South Shore Plaza at 250 Granite St., Braintree, and the Cape Cod Mall at 769 Iyannough Road, Hyannis. Both malls use the same tag-and-return donation process, making it a straightforward play for shoppers across the region.
School Calendar — Mark Your Scorecard
For families keeping up with the season schedule, here are key dates on the Braintree Public Schools calendar:
- First Day of School: September 3
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26 (half-day) through November 28
- Winter Break: December 24 to January 2
- February Break: February 16 to February 20
- Spring Break: April 20 to April 24
- Last Day of School: June 17
Why This Matters to Golf Fans
Think of this event like a community pro-am: everyone plays a role. Golfers know the importance of good gear and a reliable caddie — in this event, a simple clothing donation is like handing a child the right club at the right time. Retailers such as Golf Lounge 18 showing up for the drive is a neat crossover for golf lovers who want to support local kids while staying in the loop with the sport’s lifestyle side.
Quick Tips for Donors
- Pick a tag from the yellow bus display near Macy’s selfie wall so you know exactly what to buy.
- Return the chosen item to the location named on your tag before September 1.
- Visit either South Shore Plaza or Cape Cod Mall if you want to donate in person.
- Combine a mall trip with the Center Court festivities for a family-friendly outing.
Bring the Crowd — Not the Drama
Short, bright, and community-minded, this celebration is built to be as smooth as a well-struck iron shot. Whether you come for the balloons and face painting or to make a timed charitable shot by donating clothes, it’s a win for families and kids headed back to school.
FAQ
When and where is the Back-to-School Celebration?
The event is Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Macy’s Center Court in South Shore Plaza, Braintree.
What activities are available for kids?
Free face painting, balloon twisting, and surprise activities will be offered. Participating retailers will also host samples and small activities.
How does the clothing drive work?
Pick a tag from the yellow school bus display near the Macy’s selfie wall that lists a needed clothing item, buy the item, and return it to the location shown on the tag. The drive runs through September 1.
Who is organizing the clothing drive?
The drive is in partnership with a Boston-based nonprofit focused on providing essentials to children from birth to age 12.
Where else can I donate?
The Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis is also a collection site using the same tag-and-return process.
When does school start in Braintree?
Braintree Public Schools begin on September 3. The FAQ above lists other important calendar dates through the school year.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date & Time | Saturday, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Event Location | Macy’s Center Court, South Shore Plaza (250 Granite St., Braintree) |
| Clothing Drive Deadline | September 1 |
| Other Collection Site | Cape Cod Mall (769 Iyannough Road, Hyannis) |
| First Day of School (Braintree) | September 3 |
| Retailers Participating | Golf Lounge 18, Build-a-Bear, Gong Cha, Lush, Earthbound Trading, It’Sugar, J. Jill |
Drive through this weekend like you’re aiming for the flagstick — quick, accurate, and with good intention. Whether you’re a weekend hacker or a serious clubhead, this event gives you a chance to help local kids get set for school while enjoying a short, sharp community moment.
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Back-to-School Celebration at South Shore Plaza
- Patch: Braintree 2025-26 School Calendar
- WROR: Braintree Cape Cod Malls Hold Back-to-School Clothing Drive
- MassLive: Braintree Softball Comes Back Against Framingham
- Patriot Ledger: Braintree Baseball Stars Watch Town’s Little League World Series Trip
- Wikipedia: Braintree, Massachusetts
- Google Search: Braintree Massachusetts
- Google Scholar: Braintree
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Braintree, Massachusetts
- Google News: Braintree
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