Annual school supply giveaway helps Champaign families prepare [Video]

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign schools are making sure kids are prepared for class. The Champaign Unit 4 School District held its annual giveaway, handing out school supplies for families all over the area.

“Our children love school,” said James Harden, Executive Director of Family Community Engagement. “Now, that’s not a popular thing to say, but our students love school. It’s where their friends are.”

But for parents, it can mean the shopping list gets longer. The pencils, bags and the rest of the list of school supplies can get pretty high in cost.

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“Those of us who have children, we know that sometimes the expense of going back to school [gets pricey, with] different fees and making sure your students have everything they need from clothing to tennis shoes,” Harden said.

“When he was younger, I remember thinking, ‘School supplies are so expensive,’ and it does add up now, post-pandemic, with inflation the way it …