School supplies cost 7.7% more this year than last fall, according to a July analysis by the Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation. For Boone County's roughly 21,000 students heading back to class Wednesday, August 19, that adds up. The average family will spend $173.45 on supplies this year, with notebook prices up 23% and lunchboxes up nearly 27%.

Several free events before August 19 can help families stretch their budgets before the first bell rings. A roundup by LINK nky identified supply giveaways across Northern Kentucky, and the only one in Boone County is right in Burlington.

Faded Laces Back 2 School Event: Burlington, Aug. 15

Faded Laces Barbershop/Shoe Store is hosting a Back 2 School Event on Saturday, August 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Idlewild Park, 5550 Idlewild Rd., Burlington.

Kids can get free haircuts, free school supplies, and enter a raffle for new sneakers. No appointments needed. Thornwilde Elementary School shared the event flyer on Facebook, confirming the details. The event falls four days before the first day of school.

Backpack Bonanza: Covington, Aug. 8

Northern Kentucky Harvest's Backpack Bonanza, formerly called Backpacks and Breakfast, will give away 1,175 backpacks stuffed with school supplies on Saturday, August 8, from 8 a.m. to noon at the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Covington Hospital parking lot, 1500 James Simpson Jr. Way.

Distribution is first-come, first-served and open to low-income families, including home-schooled students. The event is listed on the NKY Safety Net calendar. Families driving from Boone County should plan to arrive early.

Boone County Parks Back-to-School Bash: Aug. 3–7

Boone County Parks is running a Back-to-School Bash the week of Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 7, at England Idlewild Park, Shelters 1 and 2. The program is for kids ages 6–12 and costs $15 per child. Participants receive a backpack with school supplies on the last day.

This is a paid program, not a free giveaway. Scholarship opportunities are available by calling the Parks Office at 859-334-2117, according to the Boone County Parks program guide.

Other resources

Families who need additional help can contact their school's Family Resource Youth Services Coalition coordinator. School-specific contact information is available through the Boone County Schools website.