Families with school-aged children plan to spend an average of $858 on back-to-school items like clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics — a slight drop from $875 in 2024, according to the National Retail Federation, which surveys consumer trends.

Yet, despite families budgeting less this year — potentially because of the threat of tariffs — slightly more consumers are purchasing apparel and electronics, driving expected total spending to $39.4 billion, up from $38.8 billion last year, the survey found.

Some local organizations have created school supply giveaways that can fill in the gaps.

From supplies for the classroom to immunization clinics, here are some of the free events for school-age children in the coming weeks in the Fayetteville area.

Saturday, Aug. 9

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