Back-to-school giveaways, events coming to West Tennessee
LEXINGTON, Tenn. — It’s back to school time! With the first day right around the corner, we wanted to help out families who may be struggling with getting everything they need to send their kids back to school.
In a new report by LendingTree, researchers found that more than 30% of shoppers are unable to afford school supplies this year as compared to last year.
Our news team did some research and found multiple organizations, churches, and individuals who are gearing up to help others in the community with back to school giveaways.
In Jackson, Zarah Temple 151 and Zarah Court 51 will be doing a Back to School Backpack Drive Saturday, August 3, beginning at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The drive will be held at 210 Walden Street.
Another supplies giveaway and back-to-school bash, hosted by City of Jackson and partners, will be held at the T.R. White Sportsplex on Saturday, August 3. This event is from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and has a variety of activities and fun for the kids.
“We have a bike giveaway, we are going to have a gaming truck, there’s free food, free school supplies. We are excited for everybody to come out because school starts next week and you’ve got to have those supplies,” said Whitney Billingsley, community engagement director for the City of Jackson.
Another back to school bash, hosted by Agape Christian Fellowship Church, will be on Saturday, August 3, at the AMP from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.
This event will also have vendors, music and more, in addition to free school supplies.
Also on Saturday, in Humboldt, a community wide back to school event hosted by A Bright Future for Tomorrow Academy will be held at 200 North 12th Avenue from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This event will have a variety of services including health and eye screenings, free haircuts and a school supplies giveaway.
In Milan, a back-to-school bash will take place at 1041 Harris Street beginning at 10 a.m. There will also be free haircuts in addition to school supplies giveaways.
In Lexington, United Minds of Lexington will be giving away supplies for all grade levels at 125 Montgomery Way beginning at 11 a.m.
Also, the Anderson’s Farm Market in Henderson County off of Highway 412 will have more than 200 backpacks full of supplies to giveaway on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.
Market owner and mother of a recent graduate, Ashley Anderson says she know what it was like at this time of the year and she wants to help Henderson County families or whoever driving by the market in this small way.
“This is something that was put on my heart to do for the community and try to reach as many people as we can,” said Ashley Anderson, owner of Anderson’s Farm Market.
“We see a lot of families come in here and you know times are tough everybody’s struggling so we’re just trying to do our part and give back to the community,” said Blake Woods, employee with Anderson’s Farm Market.
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