KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County leaders gave away all 2,500 bags and school supplies during an event meant to make sure students have everything they need as they return to school.
It's called School Mania and it returned for its fifth year on Friday, July 28 in the parking lot of the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park. School Mania is an event where all Knox County students from preschool through 12th grade can receive free school supplies.
According to county leaders, the bags were worth $45 each. Bags were available on a first-come, first-served basis. They said they gave them all away by 5 p.m. on Friday.
The event also took place over the tax-free weekend to ensure families had time to purchase any school-or-grade-specific supplies they don’t receive at School Mania.
Additionally, BlueCare Tennessee and DentaQuest also offered free school supplies with dental screenings while supplies lasted. Walk-ins were welcome at their mobile unit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 17, July 18 and July 19.
The event started at 3 p.m. on Friday.
"School Mania five was a huge success and we were able to distribute 2,500 school supply bags," Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said on social media. "We apologize for anyone who did not receive supplies and hope to make next year's event even bigger so we can serve more people."