Houston's Back 2 School Fest brings students free school supplies for the upcoming school year

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Saturday morning thousands of families and students headed Downtown for free school supplies as they got ready to head back to class.

The Back 2 School Festival was put on by the mayor's office, the Houston Food Bank, and Shell for those who may not be able to afford school supplies.

The event took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center until 2 p.m.

"We simply want to help prepare our kids for this upcoming school year," Turner said.

About 25,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies were given away for free. Free health screenings and immunizations were also available.

As people deal with rising prices, parents said free school supplies and health services go a long way.

"School supplies, the food went up, gas went up. We are in inflation right now and people seem to not understand when you are in inflation, you've got to do what you've got to do, especially when you've got kids," Pat Wilson said.

Wilson attended the event with her soon-to-be third and seventh graders.

"It adds up very quickly. It's very expensive. I would say if we didn't have this help, we would probably be paying $300-$400 altogether," one parent, Kiera Carter, said.

Shell volunteer Belinda Salazar said she understands how stressful back-to-school season can be, with three of her kids still in school.

"I'm (going to) say each child is $200 or over. You have backpacks. You have lunch kits. You have clothes and shoes. Some (students) need uniforms, (and) some don't," Salazar said. "I'm very grateful to be here volunteering and to be able to pack these backpacks for students who can use them and utilize them throughout the whole year."

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