MILWAUKEE — As the new school year approaches, students and families in Milwaukee are gearing up for a fresh start.

To ease the financial burden that comes with back-to-school expenses, many gathered at the annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive held in King Park.

For families like Chantes Houston’s, the excitement of the new school year is coupled with the reality of the costs involved.

“With five kids?” asked Chantes Houston. “Like it’s hard, definitely, and you know I’m a single mom. Definitely is, yes.”

The rising costs of school supplies, exacerbated by inflation, have left many parents seeking assistance.

“Even a pack of pencils, they cost more than they used to,” said Houston.

With all five of her children under the age of 12, the availability of free school supplies at the backpack drive means everything for Houston.

“I just love my kids,” she said. “Whatever I can do for them, I just do.”

Elizabeth Coggs, founder of Back-to-School event, has been involved in the initiative since it started 28 years ago. For Coggs, giving back to her community through this event holds a deep sense of purpose. 

“It’s rewarding,” said Coggs. “When you look at getting one child ready for school each year, it’s about $890. Anything the community can do is a plus.”

The drive aims to distribute 3,000 bookbags, each filled with essential supplies such as pencils, notebooks and crayons.

“It’s free. It’s family friendly, and it’s kind of like the last kick off… like you know, the end of summer getting ready to go back to school,” said Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith.

The success of the Back-to-School Drive is made possible through the collaboration of local organizations like King Advisory Inc., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and Milwaukee County Parks.