Summer is winding down and Connecticut students are getting ready to head back to the classroom. Back-to-school shopping is underway and rising inflation is taking its toll on families.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $864 on school supplies. Compared to 2019, back-to-school shoppers are expected to spend $168 more on average.
As families deal with rising costs, community organizations across the state are stepping in to help with back-to-school giveaways and events.
Families went to Exclusive Cut in East Harford for free haircuts Monday. The East Hartford Public School District partnered with the barbershop to host the event. In addition to free haircuts, families received free backpacks.
Global Empowerment and End Hunger CT! are hosting a community day for East Hartford families on Sunday, August 21 at 1:00 p.m. They will be handing out free backpacks, school supplies, food and drinks. The event is held at Martin Park.
Hartford Public Schools will host a back-to-school celebration on Tuesday, August 16th. The event will be held from 10 am to 1 pm at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided while supplies last.
The Groton City Police Department is collecting school supplies through Friday, August 19th. People are asked to drop off donations in the lobby of the police department or at the Groton library. Items will be given away at a back-to-school event on Sunday, August 21st from 1-4pm. The Cave Barbershop is hosting the event and will be offering free haircuts.
“It hasn’t been easy for a lot of people over the last year, so anything we can do to help ease the burden, get kids and families back to school,” said Lt. Stephen McAndrew of the Groton Police Department.
To find school supply resources near you, visit 211.
If you still have shopping to do, it might be best to wait until Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week. Sales Tax Free Week begins Sunday, August 21st and runs through Saturday, August 27th.
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