As the 2022-23 school year fast approaches, families across North Texas have more than one resource available if they lack school supplies. Local organizations have gathered supplies to distribute to those in need, with a few events scheduled for the first week of August.
On August 5, Dallas families can attend the annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair in Fair Park to receive school supplies provided by sponsors. This annual event has been taking place in Dallas for more than 20 years, according to the event’s official website.
Hosted by Mayor Eric Johnson, the fair is the result of a collaboration between the City of Dallas, Dallas ISD, nonprofits, corporations, and community volunteers. The fair benefits students who attend grades Pre-K–12.
Qualifying students must either live in the City of Dallas or attend a Dallas ISD school. The fair will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 5.
“For 26 years, the Mayor’s Back to School Fair has helped set up the children of Dallas for success,” the website states.
The so-called success of the children in Dallas ISD is debatable. DISD sported a meager graduation rate of 82.8% for 2020, according to a four-year longitudinal study on the class of 2020 — nearly 8% lower than the 90.3% average graduation rate statewide.
Other events offering school supplies to students include the annual Community Health Fair & Back to School Bash hosted by Abundant Life Church, to be held on August 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While the event is free, registration is required.
The event will also offer free immunizations provided by the Texas Vaccines for Children program, as well as wellness and vision screenings, insurance advice, and more, according to the Facebook page.
Chosen Vessel Cathedral Church will hold a Back 2 School Bash from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on August 6, offering community support and resources. Free backpacks with school supplies will be given to students attending the event, and school-aged students can also receive free haircuts, according to the church’s announcement.
Youth Pastor Erick Bowens told WFAA the backpacks have “every single thing you need, from notebooks to two pencils, mechanical pencils, crayons, colored pencils, notepads, [and] USB drives.”
Bowens said the church created the event after he spoke to Senior Pastor Bishop Marvin Sapp about the need. The event is for families already attending the Sunday service on August 7, as well as others in the community.
“The goal is to make sure that when people leave here, they leave with everything they need to make sure that their young child is equipped,” Sapp told WFAA.
The organization known as For Oak Cliff will be holding its 8th annual Infinity Back To School Festival on August 13, according to WFAA. The 3,000 backpacks will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and students need the required wristband to receive one. This year’s festival will be held at Glendale Park.
For Oak Cliff is also running a donation campaign leading up to the event to raise $40,000. As of August 1, the campaign had collected just over $1,800.