Back-To-School Events Offer Relief for Cash-Strapped Families

By Terrance Turner
Forward Times
https://www.forwardtimes.com/

As students head back to school, their parents look for ways to save money on clothes and school supplies. With the current administration pushing tariffs to their highest levels since 1934, consumers face the potential for rising prices on items already affected by inflation. Consequently, many parents (and teachers) are looking to spend less on children’s backpacks, pens, and pencils. Fortunately, a number of local back-to-school events can provide relief for those struggling to cover—or cut—costs. 

Yale University’s Budget Lab found that the average tariff rate now stands at 18%, the highest since 1934, and that consumers were projected to spend $2,400 more than they otherwise would have. (And that was before a new round of tariffs was unveiled on July 31.) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that many school supplies are at least 20% more expensive than they were pre-pandemic, and a CNBC analysis of the Bureau’s data reveals that the Producer Price Index (measuring the average change over time in domestic selling prices) has risen in multiple categories since 2024 alone. The price of luggage, including backpacks, has risen nearly 5% since last year; lead pencils and art supplies surged over 3.8%, while marking devices (including rulers, tape measures, and even pens or markers) rose roughly 6% during the past year.

The uncertain economic environment has led to increased consumer pessimism. In its annual Back-to-School (BTS) Survey, the professional services firm Deloitte discovered that 54% of those polled expect the economy to worsen further over the next six months. As a result, they’re changing their spending; parents expect to spend $570 per child on back-to-school supplies this year, down from $586 in 2024 and $597 in 2023. They’re cutting back in every category except clothing and accessories, with some even indicating they may have to incur debt just to afford school supplies for their kids.

Thankfully, a number of events and resources are available for parents and teachers ahead of school starting. The networking group Houston Millennials is celebrating teachers with Teachers’ Treasure: 2nd Annual Celebration of Educators & Supply Drive. On Aug. 7, from 6–9 PM, teachers will be able to pick up free classroom supplies and even enter a grand prize raffle for a $500 Amazon gift card. Teachers will also be able to share their stories at the event, located at Bayland Park (6400 Bissonnet St.). In preparation for the event, the group will be collecting donated school supplies like notebooks, pens, crayons, markers, decorations, and more. 

Tax-Free Weekend commences the next day. From Aug. 8–10, families can avoid sales tax on clothing, school supplies, and backpacks under $100. That weekend also features a plethora of free events where families can receive needed resources. On Aug. 8, The Lighthouse Church presents LIGHTFEST at Main Event Humble (20945 Spring Creek Crossing) from 7–11 PM. This free event offers K–12 students a new backpack, school supplies, two slices of pizza, and unlimited game play. 

On Aug. 9, Social Junkie Sports Bar & Kitchen (2412 Washington Avenue) hosts its own Back-to-School Bash from 11 AM–4 PM. This fun, family-friendly bash offers kids free haircuts from a mobile barber, a school-supply giveaway, and free hot dogs or hamburgers for the first 100 children who arrive. That same afternoon, Houston ISD is hosting a Back-to-School Resource Fair and School Supply Giveaway at Jack Yates High School (3650 Alabama St.). It, too, offers a school-supply giveaway (while supplies last) and haircuts, along with vaccinations and screenings.

Also on Aug. 9, Houston Public Library launches a number of back-to-school backpack giveaways at multiple locations. Smith Neighborhood Library (3624 Scott St.) will distribute free backpacks and school supplies (while they last) and share information about valuable library programs and services. Giveaways will also take place at Scenic Woods Regional Library (10677 Homestead Rd.), Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library (8501 W. Montgomery Rd.), McCrane-Kashmere Gardens Neighborhood Library (5411 Pardee St.).