TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – While the average family spends more than $800 on back-to-school shopping, according to the National Retail Federation, some Tucson students are heading into the school year with free supplies.
Lerner & Rowe held a backpack giveaway at the Tucson Convention Center, distributing free backpacks filled with school supplies and new tennis shoes to at least 500 attendees.
One income, six kids
Lizette Lavander, a mother of six, said she spends around $100 per child on school supplies. With Lavander currently in nursing school and the family down to one income, she said the financial pressure has grown.
“Especially this year, since I’m going to school, I’m not working, so this is where it’s been a little harder for me,” Lavander said…