Fort Worth's Back 2 School Fest Delivers Hope for 12th Year Running
Hundreds of Families Receive School Essentials and Support Ahead of New Year
More than 800 students in Fort Worth received free backpacks, fresh haircuts, and new clothes on Saturday as the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office and Potter's House Church hosted their twelfth annual Back 2 School Fest. The event, held amid rising school supply costs, brought together public officials, religious leaders, and community partners with the shared goal of preparing local children for a confident start to the school year.
A Community Unites for Student Success
Organizers gathered over 50 vendors at the Potter's House Church campus, creating a bustling space where families found not only tangible goods but also connections to local resources ranging from financial services to technology. Campus pastor Patrick Winfield underscored the festival’s collaborative spirit:
"Every year it gets better. Every year we get more people to be a part of it," Winfield told FOX 4.
Winfield described the event as more than a supply drive—it was an opportunity to rally the entire community around the success and well-being of its students. "We have a whole host of people here because the whole mission is to give to these families and help our students to become the best that they can be this year," he explained.
Addressing Economic Strain with Practical Aid
As prices for school essentials continue to rise nationally, the Back 2 School Fest provided some much-needed relief for local families. According to the National Retail Federation, families are buying school supplies earlier in 2025 out of concern that prices will climb higher due to tariffs.
Enrique Mier, a parent attending with his children, voiced appreciation for the support:
"To get the kids excited about school starting soon and with everything getting so expensive, it's a big help too," Mier told FOX 4, noting the advantage of receiving necessary items without strain on the family budget.
Attendees left the event ready for the first day of class, with Mier affirming, “We've got the backpacks, paper, a lot of material that they're asking for, so good thing that we came.”
Beyond Books
The festival’s offerings went far beyond the basics. Registered children could receive a brand-new backpack filled with grade-appropriate supplies, as well as complimentary haircuts and new clothing—a holistic approach designed to foster both self-esteem and readiness as classes resume.
Sheriff Bill Waybourn praised the breadth of services and the church’s active engagement:
"It's just incredible to see a church like Potter's House get off the bench and get into the community to make a stronger and better community today," Waybourn told FOX 4.
The partnership between the sheriff’s office and Potter’s House extends to other annual events, including winter coat and toy drives, underscoring a broader commitment to supporting families throughout the year.
Vendor Village
Over 50 vendors participated this year, setting up booths that ranged from banks providing financial literacy materials to organizations showcasing initiatives in health, education, and technology. The goal, according to Winfield, was to ensure every family walked away with not just supplies but also new tools, community connections, and confidence heading into the academic year.
The festival’s vendor village model reflects a growing trend in school readiness initiatives: combining material distribution with access to information and local services that can help address barriers to student success outside the classroom.
Volunteer Efforts Drive Event Success
The event succeeded thanks to a robust network of volunteers drawn from the church’s congregation, law enforcement, local businesses, and the broader Tarrant County community. From organizing donations to fitting children with backpacks and guiding families through the vendor booths, volunteers ensured smooth operations and a welcoming atmosphere.
Winfield emphasized the impact of these efforts:
"It's us saying, we love you, we support you, and when we do that as a community, students show up different and parents show up different, because we're all standing there with them saying you can do this, you're going to have a great year," he told FOX 4.
The Broader Picture
Data from the National Retail Federation and other industry observers indicate that school supply costs have increased by more than 20% since 2020, driven by inflation, tariff concerns, and supply chain disruptions that have impacted pricing. As a result, families are increasingly seeking help from community events and shopping earlier to secure the best prices.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2025 survey, over 60% of parents report shopping before August, a significant shift from prior years. Community festivals like the one in Fort Worth have become crucial in closing gaps left by higher prices and limited public assistance.
Local Leadership on Display
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, church leadership, and city officials all highlighted the partnership’s key role in supporting children and families. The event’s consistency—now in its twelfth year—has built trust and anticipation within the community.
The alignment of public and faith-based resources, leaders noted, sets a model for how cities can marshal collective energy for the public good. "When the community rallies around families and students, it can lead to much more than just academic success," said Winfield.
Sales Tax Holiday and Year-Round Support
For families who missed Saturday’s event, organizers pointed to the upcoming Texas sales tax holiday, scheduled for August 8 through August 10. During this period, essential school items can be purchased tax-free, a move that state officials hope will further ease the financial burden as families prepare for the fall.
The event’s momentum has also inspired ongoing cooperation between the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office and Potter’s House Church, with plans for additional outreach during the holiday season and beyond.