A Staff member said the 2025 citywide Back-to-School Bash, held with Texas Tech, drew thousands and distributed thousands of backpacks, school supply kits, haircuts and free dental services to prepare students for the new school year.

The event, which the staff member described as “thousands of people coming for free school supplies, free resources to get everybody ready to go back to school,” offered a range of services residents could access at no cost, including haircuts, dental resources and other supports. The staff member said attendees also enjoyed concessions such as popcorn and had opportunities to meet the mayor and members of the council; they added that Joe Darrington attended the event.

The staff member said the organizers invited any group willing to offer free services and that the effort aimed to reduce parents’ anxiety about school costs. “School supplies are expensive, and parents can be scared,” the staff member said. The staff member added that if leftover backpacks remain, officials will post a list of pickup locations and that social services and teachers would have access to extras for students who arrive without supplies.

There was no formal action taken at the meeting related to the event; the transcript excerpt relays a report about the bash and organizers’ plans for leftover supplies.

Organizers did not specify exact attendance figures or the precise number of backpacks and kits beyond describing them as “thousands.”