Local nonprofit hosts back-to-school event, gives out free school supplies and backpacks

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Rock the Community, a local non-profit organization, hosted a back-to-school edition event on Saturday.

The event aimed to empower local residents by providing positive programming and a supportive atmosphere. A highlight of the event was the distribution of free backpacks and school supplies to children and families in the area who may not be able to afford them.

According to a recent Morning Consult report, only 36% of parents nationwide say they can afford their kids' back-to-school supplies, a significant drop from 52% in 2021.

The report also highlights that rising inflation has made back-to-school shopping on a budget increasingly difficult.

Head Coordinator of the event Rodney Marsh emphasized their goal of ensuring that children have a strong start as they head back to school.

"It was my idea. I think just coming up, you know, I remember when my first day of school, we didn't always have everything we needed and just wanted to make sure that other kids don't experience that," Marsh said. "We want them to have an excellent first day of class and be inspired to go and learn."

Daniel Crasnow from Boone County Community Action who attended the event stressed the importance of supporting the community in various ways.

"Save money on something like energy costs, that can help you buy more school supplies. If you can get cheaper housing, that can help you save money," Crasnow said. "All of these systems work together. Though this event is themed around school supplies, it's one aspect of a bigger conversation."

The event was held at Douglass Park, with children of all ages in attendance.