The Steel City is set to shine a light on its residents' generous hearts as several local businesses and organizations gear up for free back-to-school giveaways designed to help Pueblo families cope with the rising cost of supplies.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, electronics and school supplies per child. While that is $15 less than last year's record of $890, it is not an easy feat for many families.
Several Pueblo businesses and organizations are conducting free giveaways to help ease the burden. Following is a list of giveaways in the order they will be held, as well as some options for donors to help.
Saturday, July 27
Gracelife Church
Gracelife Church, 540 Alma Ave., is set to give away free school supplies from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 27.
The Back to School drive-through event will continue as long as supplies last.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Kenzi's Causes Packz-4-Kidz 2024
Kenzi's Causes will provide 300 new backpacks full of school supplies to children from 9-11 a.m., Aug. 3, in the Pueblo School District 60 parking lot at 315 W. 11th St. in Pueblo.
Kenzi's Causes is a nonprofit started by Jessica Bachus, who was having problems finding funding until the Kiwanis Club stepped up and provided $5,000, said Theresa Kosak of Kenzi's Causes.
"The children of Pueblo, due to the generosity of the Kiwanis, will have a wonderful head start on school supplies. Having those supplies boosts confidence for a successful school year and the needy children in our community will surely benefit," Kosak said.
Kiwanis Club members will be helping to hand out backpacks at the event. Those who attend will be required to fill out a survey when they arrive.
Backpacks will be available for children in preschool through 12th grade. Children are encouraged to attend to pick out their backpacks.
If the child cannot attend, the parent or guardian must have a photo ID and a birth certificate for each child. Find out more at kenziscauses.org/packz-4-kidz-pueblo .
El Centro del Quinto Sol
El Centro del Quinto Sol, 609 E. Sixth St., is set to host its Back to School Giveaway from noon to 2 p.m., Aug. 3.
Every student present will receive free school supplies, while supplies last. Find out more by calling Veronica Collins at 719-553-2950 or emailing vcollins@pueblo.us .
Saturday, Aug. 10
Halfway Home
Halfway Home of Pueblo is set to give out free backpacks filled with supplies at 11 a.m., Aug. 10, at 803 W. Fourth St.
The youth mentoring and education program gave away 440 backpacks last year.
"We are hoping to give out 550 to 600 backpacks this year," said William Wright, founder.
To register for a backpack, go to halfwayhomepueblo.org , click on the events tab and scroll to the event poster to click the RSVP button. For information, call 719-334-0010.
Friday, Aug. 16
Servicios de la Raza
Servicios de la Raza is set to host a "Knowledge is Power" back-to-school event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 16, at Steel City Eagles, 704 Elmhurst Place.
The event will feature free backpacks, school supplies, family resources, raffles and more. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome.
"If a child is not present, we ask the family member to provide a birth certificate or school ID (including school portals such as Infinite Campus or PowerSchool). Everyone is welcome while supplies last," said Velia Rincon, Pueblo services director.
To find out more, call 719-359-4240.
How to donate to help a Pueblo child
Zumbathon
El Centro del Quinto Sol, 609 E. 6th St., is hosting a Zumbathon from 1-3 p.m., July 27. Join instructors and dance your day away.
Those who bring a new school supply to donate to the school supply drive will dance for free. Supplies also will be accepted during regular Zumba classes from 5:30-6:30 p.m. July 29-Aug. 1.
Car dealership throwdown
Subaru of Pueblo, 2125 W. U.S. Highway 50, and Dave Solan Nissan, 2525 W. U.S. Highway 50, will be collecting school supplies through Aug. 12 as part of their "Cram the SUV" friendly throwdown. Both dealerships are taking donations of school supplies that will be donated to Pueblo School District 60 and Pueblo County School District 70.
CASA of Pueblo
The Court Appointed Special Advocate program has a goal of helping all the children they serve starting off the school year with all of the items they need to have a successful start.
"For many of our youth and their families, especially kinship placements, it can be a struggle to fill all the lists and buy new school clothing. We are asking for new items, especially backpacks for our older youth, along with the usual school supplies," the agency announced.
CASA staff created an Amazon link to make it an easy process for those who would like to support a child. Donors can also search under the Amazon registry for CASA of Pueblo 2024 School Supply Drive.
The drive runs through Sept. 1.
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Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via X , formerly Twitter, at twitter.com/tracywumps . Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com .
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Need help with free school supplies? Attend one of these five Pueblo events
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