As Connecticut’s Sales Tax‑Free Week runs through Saturday, Aug. 22, families in Bridgeport and Hartford have a packed calendar of free back‑to‑school events. The state‑wide tax exemption now includes backpacks, allowing parents to purchase qualifying clothing, footwear and backpacks without sales tax.

Bridgeport events

• GBAPP Back‑to‑School Event – 1470 Barnum Ave., 11 a.m.‑2 p.m. – Free backpacks, school supplies, children’s activities and health information.
• Cardinal Shehan Center Open House – 1494 Main St., 10 a.m.‑1 p.m. – Free backpack giveaway (while supplies last), tours, bouncy house, face painting and snacks.
• Camillia’s Closet Mobile Truck – Waterview Park, 650 Waterview Ave., 10 a.m.‑2 p.m. – Book bags, supplies, hygiene products and clothing; uniform shirts $5, pants/skirts $7.
• Greater Mt. Carmel Pentecostal Church Giveaway – 719 Connecticut Ave., 11 a.m.‑2 p.m. – Books and school bags for children.
• South End Day – Seaside Park, The Grove at Waldemere Avenue, noon‑6 p.m. – Free book bags, T‑shirts, music, food vendors, health services and a UB STEM bus.
• Helping Hands Outreach Book Bag Drive – Wentfield Park, noon‑3 p.m. – Book bags, supplies, games and free haircuts.
• Bridgeport Firebirds Giveaway – 391 E. Washington Ave., 1 p.m.‑5 p.m. – Backpacks, supplies, haircuts, nail painting, food and drinks.
• TheWrightWayQC Annual School Drive – 1000 Lafayette Blvd., 3 p.m.‑7 p.m. – Children bring their own backpack to fill with supplies; a current school list is required.

Hartford events

• Urban League of Greater Hartford – Beyond the Backpack – 140 Woodland St., 5:30 p.m.‑7 p.m. – Focus on ensuring every student has support, confidence and resources.
• Back‑to‑School Celebration and Family Engagement Conference – Hartford Public High School, 55 Forest St., 9 a.m.‑noon – Information sessions, community resources and free backpacks and supplies.

Statewide tax‑free week

Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services lists qualifying clothing, footwear and backpacks under $300 per item as tax‑free when purchased at Connecticut retailers or qualifying online stores. The program aims to ease the financial burden for families preparing for the new school year.

Local nonprofits, churches and civic groups are coordinating these events to ensure that children in Bridgeport and Hartford start the school year equipped and ready to learn.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.