Events ease back-to-school financial woes

School supplies, shoes, hair cuts and health screening are free Saturday~

Getting ready to go back to school is a flurry of activities for all families, but for some a financial is a dark cloud over the preparations.

A break in that cloud—the Back-to-School Blast (B2BS) sponsored by Highland Lakes Health Partnership—takes place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Marble Falls Middle School, 1511 Pony Drive.

The event began an continues as an effort by area churches to be sure children have the backpacks and school supplies they need, but a selection of free shoes and socks has been added. This year a health fair with free vision and hearing tests is new. And, back-to-school hair cuts are free.

Vendor booths offfer some give-aways and lots of information about community services.

Food and fun activities help while away any waiting time. Since B2BS supplies and shoes are first-come-first serve to children only from up and down the lakes area, parents are encouraged to make the event their first stop on a busy Saturday.

A similar event—the Back-to-School Bonanza sponsored by the Burnet Fire Department— is planned 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Burnet fire hall, 2002 US 281. Although a health fair is not part of the plans, haircuts, backpacks and school supplies will be available, along with fun activities for children.