BEAUMONT, Texas — As families across Southeast Texas prepare for the first day of school , a coalition of local organizations is stepping in to ease the burden of back-to-school shopping with a giveaway focused on daily essentials rather than traditional classroom supplies.

The “Back to School Bash” will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Sterling Pruitt Activity Center in Beaumont. Organizers will distribute 800 bags of personal care items on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, t-shirts. Things of that nature,” said Stacey Lewis Sr., liaison for the city of Beaumont. “We want kids to be comfortable. We want parents… this is one thing we don’t want you to have to worry about… that everyone starts somewhat on the same playing field.”

Lewis said the eve

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