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Organizations in both Burleson and Crowley will ease the back-to-school crunch on parents’ wallets by providing free school supplies to qualified students.
Burleson’s Harvest House has joined forces with Burleson ISD to host a back-to-school fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Kerr Middle School. About 300 students are expected to attend the event, said Alice Bleeker, Harvest House’s executive director. Students in attendance can pick up free school supplies and a $50 gift card to Kohl’s for new school clothing, she said.
Nutritionists will also be present to help students register for either free or reduced-cost lunches; hairstylists will be on call to deliver back-to-school haircuts; and medical staff will provide immunization shots, Bleeker said.
“Kids also get to pick out backpacks and have lunch,” she said. “It’s a fun time; churches will bring games.”
To receive the benefits, students must meet requirements based on family income. Bleeker said that when Harvest House employees review applications, they also take each family’s situation into consideration to ensure students receive the help they need.
“These families have fed their kids all summer, which can be hard because many of them receive free or reduced-cost lunch during the school year,” she said. “Also, when you take into account increased electric bills, there is no money left for anything. Going back to school should be a fun and exciting time, and receiving the supplies and clothes they need helps build confidence.”
Students who didn’t register in time for Harvest House’s back-to-school fair may still receive free supplies if they meet the program’s requirements, said Bleeker.
A secondary fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 and Aug. 20.
The program is partially funded through donations, but a portion of Harvest House’s budget is also allocated to the cause, Bleeker said.
“Every student should come to school ready to learn and with what they need,” said Richard Crummel, public information officer for Burleson ISD. “With the economy down and gas prices up, there are a lot of people helped by this. It’s one of the most gratifying things the community does.”
For information about Harvest House, call 817-295-6252.
Crowley’s House of Hope will serve Crowley’s student population by giving away school supplies and arranging free haircuts for students who meet requirements.
Billy Hutchings, House of Hope’s president, said his organization will give away school supplies on Aug. 15, Aug. 16 and Aug. 18, but students who miss all three days will probably still be able to obtain supplies until the first day of school.
Those interested may stop by the Crowley House of Hope from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to fill out applications.
To meet House of Hope’s requirements for free supplies, families must be eligible for the Women, Infants and Children program and live within the Crowley School District or ZIP code 76036, Hutchings said.
“We give students everything on their lists. We will supply them as best we can,” he said. “This may help give them a jump on things, and it’s important to go back with a better outlook.”
Hutchings said he and wife, Linda, do all the school-supply shopping for House of Hope. They only purchase items on sale and visit several stores to stretch their $5,000 budget.
House of Hope’s back-to-school program is funded by donations, and Hutchings said he thanks the Crowley community for its contributions.
For information about House of Hope, call 817-297-6400.
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