This story was written by Lia Salvatierra, our new Education Reporter. Find more of Lia’s reporting here. Do you have an NKY education story? Email lsalvatierra@linknky.com.
Northern Kentucky kids can gear up for the school year with free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and even personal computers available at local events across the region this month.
LINK nky compiled a list of some of those back to school events and resources independently organized by local officials, businesses and other groups.
Free resources for students and families are especially important considering the higher costs of school materials hitting households this year.
A new analysis estimates a basket of school supplies costs 7.7% more this year compared with last fall.
Students and families in need of more resources can contact their school’s Family Resource Youth Services Coalition coordinators.
This is not an exhaustive list, but if you have a free back-to-school event or school supply giveaway we haven’t mentioned, email lsalvatierra@linknky.com so we can share it with the community.
American Legion Post 11 Back to School Supply Drive
What: Free school supplies for students.
When: Sunday Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: American Legion Post 11 at 22 E 6th St., Newport.
Organizers: American Legion Post 11
Covington Police Department National Night Out
What: A 100 backpack giveaway while supplies last.
When: Tuesday Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Holmes High School, 2500 Madison Ave., Covington.
Organizers: Covington Police Department.
More information here.
Newport Night Out
What: Computer giveaway raffle for eligible families without a computer at home. Register here for a chance to win.
When: Tuesday Aug. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Festival Park at 201 Riverboat Row, Newport.
Organizers: Newport Police Department and Newport Independent Schools.
Find more information here.
Kradle to Krayons Community Block Party
What: Free haircuts and braids for children among other raffles and giveaways.
When: Friday Aug. 7 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Kradle to Krayons Childhood Learning Center at 401 W. 11th Street, Newport.
Organizers: Kradle to Krayons Childhood Learning Center.
Find more information here.
Backpack Bonanza (formerly Backpacks and Breakfast)
What: A 1,175 school-supply stuffed backpack giveaway, intended for low-income families including home-schooled families. Distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Covington Hospital at 1500 James Simpson Jr. Way, Covington.
Organizers: Northern Kentucky Harvest.
Find more information here.
Faded Laces Back 2 School Event
What: Free haircuts for children, school supplies and a raffle for new sneakers.
When: Saturday, Aug. 15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Idlewild Park at 5550 Idlewild Rd, Burlington.
Organizers: Faded Laces Barber Shop and sneaker store.
Find more information here.
Glenn O. Swing Elementary Meet the Teacher
What: 400 free backpacks for Glenn O. Swing students while supplies last. All other necessary school supplies will be provided for enrolled students.
When: Wednesday Aug. 19 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Glenn O. Swing Elementary at 501 West 19th Street, Covington.
Organizers: Glenn O. Swing Elementary.
Find more information here.
Lia Salvatierra is a journalist with Report for America, a service program that helps boost coverage of underreported topics and areas throughout the United States. To help LINK nky continue to provide this kind of reporting, you can make a tax-deductible donation here.