News Summary
Over 100 volunteers pack school supply bags for local students in need, distributing a record number through the School Mania event.
Knox County – Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs led a successful initiative on Monday, gathering over 100 volunteers to pack school supply bags for the seventh annual ‘School Mania’ event, aimed at supporting local students in need. This year, the initiative is set to distribute a record number of school supply bags, reflecting the growing financial needs of families as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
As students gear up for school, a back-to-school shopping study revealed that parents may spend an average of $628 per child on clothing and school supplies, creating significant financial stress for many households. Volunteer Shawntae Brisendine highlighted that essential supplies can easily add up, often costing families between $50 to $100 per child. The list of necessary supplies includes items such as folders, composition books, crayons, and other classroom essentials.
The School Mania event plays a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden on families struggling to afford these supplies. Each supply bag offered through the program consists of notebooks, flashcards, scissors, pencils, crayons, headphones, and more, with a total value exceeding $60. The program is designed to ensure that every student, from preschool to 12th grade, receives these vital supplies at no cost.
Emilee Stanley, another volunteer, noted the increasing demand for school supplies each year, emphasizing the importance of community support in meeting these needs. It highlights how initiatives like School Mania not only provide necessary resources but also foster a sense of community among residents.
The main event is set to take place on Friday in a drive-through format starting at 3 p.m., located in the parking lot of the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park. Families are encouraged to arrive early as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year, the event successfully distributed over 6,000 backpacks and assembled more than 7,000 supply bags thanks to the generous contributions from local businesses and organizations.
This year’s event has attracted notable sponsors including Ole Ben Franklin Motors, Best Buy Metals, and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville. Their involvement underlines the collaborative efforts of the community in supporting local students and families.
In addition to School Mania, several churches across Knox County will also host supply giveaway events on July 26, providing more opportunities for families to access essential school supplies. These community efforts aim to alleviate the financial burden during a critical time for families, emphasizing the importance of education and the resources needed to foster student success.
As Knox County Schools prepare to resume classes on August 7, 2025, the support from initiatives like School Mania becomes increasingly vital. The collaborative work of city officials, volunteers, and local businesses embodies a unified commitment to ensuring all students in the community have the supplies they need for a successful school year.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: School Mania Returns Offering Free School Supplies to Knox County Families
- WATE: Knox County School Mania Helps Ease Back to School Costs for Families
- MSN: Wellpoint Tennessee Offering Free Supplies to Knoxville Families at Back to School Event
- Knox News: Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend for Back-to-School Shopping
- WBIR: Knoxville Area Urban League Prepares for Shoes for School Event
- Google Search: Knox County School Supplies
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
