Miami Kids Get Help From City For New School Year
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COCONUT GROVE (CBSMiami) – With back to school on many parents' minds, an event in Coconut Grove hosted more than a thousand kids who needed help with preparing for the new school year.
The kids are in Summer school programs across the city and although summer school will soon come to an end, the regular session is right around the corner. That means parents will have to shell out big bucks for back to school supplies, which many cannot afford.
That's why the city decided to step in and help out.
"It's important that we recognize that we are a poor city, that we have many children in our parts that the families don't have the resources to buy a backpack, to buy supplies. This is a big deal," said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.
The city threw a special back to school event where they gave away about 13-hundred backpacks with school supplies inside worth between $40 and $50.
For many, it's like Christmas morning. They're hoping to open up their bag and find a few favorites.
"Colors, pencils and erasers," said 8-year old Sebastian Richards, explaining what he got.
This year there was a couple of unique items inside.
"When I opened up my book bag, I found a mosquito spray and food," said 10-year old Samari Hall.
The back to school sales discount holiday that parents can take advantage of is a little different this year. It will only last from Friday through Sunday. Previously, clothing under a $100 dollars was not taxed but this year that amount is 60 dollars or less. School supplies that cost less than $15 per item will be exempt. Computers and computer accessories are also not included this year either.
The city has a few others similar events planned where in total about five thousand kids will get backpacks with school supplies.
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