Five ways to get free, reduced-cost school supplies in Columbus before classes start
With the start of school around the corner, where can parents get access to free or low-cost resources for their students' back-to-school needs in Columbus?
According to the National Retail Federation, back-to-school spending is expected to reach "record levels" for the country this year, as the total amount consumers are expected to spend rises to $41.5 billion, in comparison to last year's $36.9 billion.
Families with children in K-12 are expected to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school supplies for the 2023-2024 school year, up $25 from last year.
Here are some ways you can reduce your costs with free supplies before school starts later this month:
Franklin County Children Services 'FamJam & Back to School Bash' on Sunday, Aug. 6
Franklin County Children Services is throwing a FamJam family party on Aug. 6 at Goodale Park from 12 to 3 p.m., rain or shine.
Attendees will enjoy free food, music and school supplies while supplies last, and there will also be activities for children like bounce houses and meet-and-greets with superheroes.
Expect to receive giveaways and information from more than 60 vendors and community agencies. Children Services will be offering parenting tips, foster care opportunities and other information. Additional community partners include Action for Children, Celebrate One, area Head Start agencies, Columbus Public Health, and multiple Franklin County offices.
Columbus City Schools resource fair on Aug. 19
Columbus City Schools will be holding a resource fair for CCS students and families on Aug. 19 at the Fort Hayes campus, 546 Jack Gibbs Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free parking at Columbus State Community College, with a shuttle pick-up at the college's Mitchell Hall.
The fair will feature school supply giveaways, including free backpacks, school supplies, activities, wellness exams and more. The fair will also provide up-to-date information on after-school programs, wellness exams, safety information, social services and more.
Registration is required in advance for district families, available on the CCS website.
Sponsors and participants include American Red Cross, NBC4, Making A Difference, Mount Vernon District Improvement Association, Capital One Cafe, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Stay in the Game and Columbus Recreation and Parks.
Westgate Park Back-School-Bash on Aug. 20
On Aug. 20 from 12 to 4 p.m., A Step in the Right Direction will be hosting the fourth annual Back-to-School Bash at the Westgate Park football field at 455 S. Westgate Ave.
Each child in attendance will receive a backpack filled with school supplies. There will also be live music, and a Columbus Division of Fire truck from 1 to 3 p.m.
Target teacher's discount
Retailer Target is offering a discount to teachers shopping for classroom supplies this year. Through Aug. 26, teachers can get a one-time 20% discount on an entire shopping trip, either in stores or online.
All K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, teachers working at day care centers and early childhood learning centers, university or college professors and vocational/trade/technical schoolteachers with valid identification are eligible.
Sales tax holiday this weekend
Ohio's sales tax holiday is the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August of each year, making this year's tax-free weekend Aug. 4-6.
The sales tax exemption is limited to school supplies/school learning materials and clothing items which are defined at Ohio.gov. You can buy as many items as you'd like regardless of the overall cost, as long as each individual item does not exceed $75, and each individual school supply/instructional material does not exceed $20. This means a $50 pair of jeans would qualify as tax exempt, but a $50 calculator would not
More: Back-to-school computer shopping? Ohio looks to expand sales tax holiday in 2024
Using coupons or discounts does not affect the sales tax exemption as long as the items still cost less than $75 or $20. Items purchased online still qualify for the exemption and the same rules apply.
Using coupons or discounts does not affect the sales tax exemption as long as the items still cost less than $75 or $20. Items purchased online still qualify for the exemption and the same rules apply.
Back-to-school shoppers can also check the Ohio Department of Taxation's frequently asked questions page, which lists what qualifies as tax exempt.
@Colebehr_report
Cbehrens@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Where to get free, reduced-cost school supplies in Columbus this year
