News Summary
As DeSoto County gears up for the back-to-school season, various organizations are providing free school supply giveaways to support families. The DeSoto County Dream Center has already distributed 1,500 backpacks filled with essential supplies, and several additional events are scheduled. Parents also have the opportunity to take advantage of Mississippi’s tax-free weekend for school essentials. These community efforts aim to ensure that students are ready for a successful academic year.
DeSoto County is gearing up for the back-to-school season as many parents prepare their children with essential school supplies. Various organizations are hosting free supply giveaways to ease the financial burden on families, ensuring that students have the necessary materials for a successful academic year.
The DeSoto County Dream Center recently organized a backpack giveaway, distributing 1,500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to families in need. This initiative aims to uplift families, particularly those from Title One Schools, by providing them with the tools required for success. The event is supported by the Homer Skelton Charitable Foundation and relies on volunteers for efficient execution.
For parents who missed the Dream Centerโs giveaway, multiple upcoming events provide additional opportunities to receive free school supplies. These notable giveaways are scheduled as follows:
- Tanger Outlets’ Back to School Bash: Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Horn Lake Police Department’s Giveaway: Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Latimer Lakes Park in Horn Lake.
- Greene Litigation Group’s Giveaway: Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 212 Goodman Road East in Southaven.
- Bethel United Apostolic Church’s Back to School Bash: Sunday, July 27, at 2 p.m. at 10972 Bethel Road in Olive Branch.
Additionally, the FOX13 “Stuff the Bus” campaign is collaborating with the United Way of the Mid-South to collect school supplies. Donations for this campaign will be accepted at various locations throughout the Mid-South during the month of July, with a special donation event scheduled at the Memphis Sports and Events Center on August 1, from noon to 3 p.m.
In tandem with the supply giveaways, parents are receiving news regarding changes in local educational programs. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) will transition the management of the local Head Start program to Porter-Leath following receipt of a federal grant. This change raises concerns among parents regarding the potential loss of vital after-school programs due to federal funding freezes. Furthermore, MSCS is also hosting its final food giveaway of the summer, providing additional support to families.
As families prepare for the new school year, Mississippi’s tax-free weekend offers a valuable opportunity for parents to purchase clothing, shoes, and school supplies priced under $100 without incurring sales tax. This tax-free weekend will take place from July 25 to July 27, further assisting families in obtaining necessary items for their children.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of local organizations and businesses reflect the community’s commitment to supporting families during the back-to-school season. By providing free supplies and resources, DeSoto County aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure that all students are well-prepared for the upcoming year.
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Additional Resources
- FOX13 Memphis: Free Backpacks and School Supplies in DeSoto County
- DeSoto County News: Students Receive Needed School Items
- SL Tablet: Project Kid Connect Backpack Giveaway
- Commercial Appeal: Free School Supplies in Memphis
- CBS News: North Texas Back to School Information
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Google Search: Back to School Supplies
- Google Scholar: School Supplies Donations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Supplies
- Google News: Back to School Events
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
