COVINGTON , KY − Free backpacks and school supplies will be given out to Northern Kentucky families Aug. 8 at St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Covingtoncampus.
The Backpacks Bonanza, formerly known as Backpacks & Breakfast, will run from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at 1500 James Simpson Jr. Way. No pre-registration is required, and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The event is open to students from pre-school through 12th grade, including those attending public, private and home schools in the region.
Parents or guardians should bring a photo ID, a Social Security or medical card for each child, and proof of address, such as a recent bill or lease.
More than 1,100 backpacks expected to be distributed
Organizers expect to distribute at least 1,165 backpacks to families.
About half have already been given out through partner organizations like Welcome House, Brighton Center, Fiesta, Lincoln-Grant Scholar House and Be Concerned. The rest will be available at the event.
Papa Johns, the food sponsor, will provide free pizza.
Rising costs make school supplies a burden for some families
The cost of basic school supplies averages $146.45 per child this year, up 7.7% from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Including clothing, shoes and technology, the total can reach $611, according to a survey by The Harris Poll.
“The reality is that families already struggling to pay for food, shelter, clothing and other necessities for their kids often find it difficult to accommodate back-to-school expenses,” Paul Gottbrath, president of Northern Kentucky Harvest,said in a news release. “Our project gives them one less need – new backpacks filled with school supplies – to worry about.”
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Get free backpacks and school supplies in Covington
