Tax Holiday, Supply Drives Help Families Burdened by Back-to-School Costs

As families stare down daunting back-to-school bills, governments, school foundations and community groups are offering help for folks looking to get students ready for school without breaking the bank. 

The impact of school supply shopping on family budgets has grown in recent years, with more families saying they’re spending vast amounts preparing their children for the school year. According to a Morning Consult survey, 26% of parents say they’ll spend more than $500 this year. 

Missouri aims to help ease that burden with a sales tax holiday starting Friday, Aug. 2, and running until midnight on Sunday. No sales tax will be charged on back-to-school items including notebooks, laptops and shoes during that window. 

Kansas doesn’t offer a sales tax holiday, but shoppers who cross the state line can take advantage of the mark down.  

Data from the National Retail Federation suggests that many have already begun their back-to-school preparations, mostly online or at major department stores.  

But the National Federation of Independent Business Missouri (NFIB) notes that the tax-free weekend is a chance to offer support to small businesses, not just major retailers. 

“Shopping at your local mom-and-pop keeps more hard-earned dollars within your community,” NFIB Missouri Director Brad Jones said. 

Aside from pencils and notebooks, events across the metro will also offer health care, haircuts and more to prepare students for a new year.  

For Kansas City residents, Operation Backpack will provide school supplies, food and more on Aug. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Swope Park.  

Operation Backpack will offer technology, feminine and oral hygiene products, gun locks and food boxes.  

“The goal is to help families start their kids off with the tools they need to have a successful school year,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, who organizes the event. 

Parks-Shaw said Operation Backpack is expecting to serve 4,000 students. The event is put on with the help of local partners: T-Mobile, Swope Health and Giving Hope & Help, and many more sponsors. 

Community members can get involved by making a donation to Giving Hope & Help and putting “Operation Backpack” in the notes. 

Parks-Shaw said it is important to ensure all students are prepared with the essentials as they start the new school year.  

“We hear from students the positive impact this has on them as they start the school year with excitement,” Parks-Shaw said. “Who doesn’t love getting free stuff?”  

One week later, Kansas families can get in on the savings. Wyandotte County’s Back to School & Health Fair will provide students with everything they need to be prepared for a new school year.  

The event on Aug 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. will offer supplies, haircuts, health screenings and more.  

Kansas City, Kansas, School Foundation for Excellence events manager Blake Hensley said various sponsors fund the event, including the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities and Kansas City Kansas Community College.  

“Events like the Back to School & Health Fair are crucial for helping families get ready for the school year,” he said. “They provide essential resources and support, alleviating financial burdens and ensuring students are equipped to start the year prepared and healthy.” 

Hensley emphasized that back-to-school events offer more than just supplies, but a lineup of helpful resources for families — and some fun community events. Hensley encouraged community members to spread the word, volunteer at the event and donate supplies.  

“The fair can significantly impact students by ensuring they have the necessary supplies, promoting their health, and boosting their confidence with services like haircuts,” he said. “This comprehensive support can lead to a more positive and successful school experience.” 

In Olathe, Alice Snider said the Olathe Public Schools Foundation school supply drive has a special place in her heart. 

Each year, they fill about 2,500 backpacks for preschool through high school students, said Snider, who serves as the foundation’s senior program specialist. About 400 filled backpacks were distributed at an event last week. The remaining 2,000 backpacks are provided to schools upon request to help families facing financial difficulties. 

“This program not only provides students with the tangible items they need to be successful in school, it also provides students with a sense of dignity and pride,” Snider said. “School is not a time when students want to feel different than their peers. Providing them with new supplies and backpacks helps them feel excited and ready to walk into school on day one.” 

The program is funded by donations, including a handful of corporate partners. Individuals can make donations based on a list of needed supplies.  

Snider said it is crucial that all students are properly prepared for a new school year and ready to learn as the calendar turns to August.  

“Back-to-school time can be so stressful for all students and their families, but especially so for families who are struggling financially,” Snider said. “Many students need new shoes, sports physicals, haircuts and more.”  

Snider hopes the events can help “take one of those worries off the list.” 

Cuyler Dunn is a student at the University of Kansas School of Journalism and a summer intern at Kansas City PBS/Flatland.