Omaha parent shares struggle of back-to-school prices, backpack giveaways

“Their focus doesn't have to be on what they look like, what they smell like, where they've come from,” a parent said. “They can go and achieve what they're there for.”

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‘Take some burden off of me’: Omaha parent shares struggle of back-to-school prices, backpack giveaways

OMAHA, Neb. —

School season is here; Omaha groups are helping parents shoulder the financial weight.

We’re speaking to one mom who’s opening up about the struggles of setting her son up for success.

At St. Paul Missionary Baptist church, volunteers work tirelessly to bring relief to families getting ready for the school year.

One single mom said the stresses can be overwhelming.

Basic school supplies to personal items and products; all come with a price tag.

“An average backpack is probably around $35,” said Shawna Guest, an Omaha single mom. “The average cost of a six-pack of underwear is probably about $14.”

She wants the best for her son and understands the importance of looking your best on the first day of school.

“Their focus doesn’t have to be on what they look like, what they smell like, where they’ve come from,” she said. “They can go and achieve what they’re there for.”

She knows the struggle of providing for her son all too well.

“You don’t get to read, and they don’t get to do flashcards,” she said. “They don’t get to make sure that their kids are prepared for real.”

She said this summer “tanked” her budget, and that the school year will provide some relief.

“Knowing that there’s two meals that school will provide helps me know at home that, hey, take some burden off of me. Take some pressure off of me,” Guest said.

St. Paul Missionary Baptist church and Omaha nonprofit 3Sisters collaborate to alleviate parents’ stress.

“One heart, one message, one community. We can work together and make this effort huge,” Guest said.

She’s a volunteer gathering donations for the school giveaway happening this weekend.

She said this event allows mothers to be mothers, and fathers to be fathers.

“They’re beaten down at the end of the day because they have all this to worry about, really,” Guest said. “And if we could take that off their plate, then that’s what we’re here for because it’s real.”

This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the church and nonprofit will be giving away school supplies and basic home products for families.

They expect more than 300 people to show up and are ready to welcome everyone.

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