BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — School returns in three weeks for many Western New York students and families can expect to spend more than in years past.
According to Fox Business, families with children in kindergarten through high school are expected to spend $38 billion this year. That's up from $25 billion in 2019. Families are expected to spend $875 on average. Although, according to the U.S. Inflation Calculator, things look like they are letting up. Prices were up 2.9% in July over the previous 12 months. This is the lowest inflation rate since March 2021 and a significant decline from 2022.
Even with possible relief on the horizon, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood is helping Western New York families make ends meet by hosting a back-to-school giveaway.
Backpacks filled with glue prepacks, hygiene prepacks, writing materials, a binder and water bottles are just a few items available to students - thanks to the nonprofit, the Teacher's Desk.
I spoke with families about how this will help their kids get a head start with essentials this school year.
Miller came to the giveaway at Westminster Community Charter School with his grandchildren.
"This is an impoverished neighborhood. We love to have events over here. We always appreciate the support that we get from the communities such as this," Miller said.
He said the Pancho Packs filled with school supplies cover 90% of their essentials.
"We could put the money we were spending on school supplies towards food on the plate and extra clothes," Miller added.
"Take that financial burden off of parents starting the year off without that financial stress of getting their kids prepared for the school year. So, this is really important. Again, that community building and bringing everyone in the community together for a fun and safe event," Buffalo Promise Neighborhood manager Stephanie Ansari said.
She told me roughly 350 Pancho Packs and about 150 produce bags were given out.
Aside from school supply giveaways, haircuts, face painting and other essentials were available.
"We're able to provide free health screenings. If you're not easily able to get to your doctor's office, you're able to get a screening done," Ansari explained.
The giveaway is something Buffalo mother Raychelle Gilliam did not take for granted.
"It helps tremendously," Gilliam said. "My son starts school a little early so it helps you to not spend so much on school supplies. It helps with getting food."
Along with Buffalo Promise Neighborhood and Teacher's Desk, the annual back-to-school bash was put on as a collaboration with Independent Health, West Herr and M&T Bank.
If you missed your chance on Wednesday, you can find a full list of similar giveaways here.
