With 16 Greater Houston-area districts starting their 2023-24 school year in early August, a new round of purchasing school supplies is on the horizon families across Texas.

Shoppers will be able to save money on purchasing clothes and school supplies priced below $100 with the annual sales tax holiday taking place Aug.11 through midnight Aug. 13. Families can expect to save about $8 on every $100 spent, according to a news release from the Texas comptroller’s office. For a complete list of qualified tax-free supplies, visit www.texastaxholiday.org.

“As Texans prepare for the back-to-school bell, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the opportunity to save money on everything from blue jeans to ballpoint pens,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “As the father of three, I know how these expenses can add up.”

Whether parents are able to support school supply drives or need supplies for their children, here are six school supply drives taking place in the Greater Houston area.

This list is noncomprehensive. To have an event considered for addition to the list, email [email protected].

Aug. 4

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is hosting a school supply event that will be giving out free backpacks with school supplies.

  • Noon-3 p.m.
  • Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Road, Houston

Aug. 5

Heights street-wear apparel company, Proper HTX, will be the site for a community run and school supply drive supporting two Houston ISD elementary schools, Burrus and John F. Kennedy, according to running club’s website. They will be accepting donations and basic school supplies.

  • 7:30 a.m.
  • Proper-Houston Heights, 250 W. 19th St., Ste. C.

Now-Aug.11

The Houston Police Department’s Midwest Division is asking for backpacks, pencils, pens, notebooks, Target gift cards and other school supplies as part of its school supply drive. Items can be dropped off to the police department by Aug. 11.

  • Houston Police Department, 7277 Regency Square Blvd., Houston

Aug. 12

East End Hardware is hosting its annual school supply drive and happy hour which will benefit two Houston ISD elementary schools in Third Ward, Rufus Cage and Lockhart Elementary Schools, according to its website. Guests who may not be able to attend the happy hour are invited to browse their online Amazon school supply list.

  • 5-8 p.m.
  • East End Hardware, 3005 Leeland St., Houston

Aug. 26

Nonprofit organization CoolxDad is dedicated to aiding and uplifting fathers of color and their families. Their Million Fathers March back-to-school event will be Aug. 26 in the Third Ward.

  • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Blackshear Elementary School, 2900 Holman St., Houston

Aug. 26

Signature Care ER-Bellaire is hosting its fourth annual back-to-school event Aug. 26. Health officials will be handing out school supplies, including 125 backpacks, personal hand sanitizers and health-related materials.

  • 8 a.m.-until supplies last
  • Signature Care ER, 5413 South Rice Ave., Bellaire