HUMBLE, Texas — With only one weekend before kids in Texas' largest school district go back to class, parents and guardians are feeling the squeeze of back-to-school shopping costs more than ever.
In Humble, one organization put on a donation event to help take the burden off some families.
Lighthouse Church held a back-to-school drive at Main Event.
It was a huge help for families that needed school supplies as their kids got ready to go back to school.
"Every time ... it gets more and more expensive," Rosalinda Avila said.
Avila said the cost of getting her kids back in class adds up quickly.
"The shoes, the clothes and just the school supplies that we have -- I spend a crazy amount of money," she said.
Inflation plays a role in those costs. The National Retail Federation predicts total back-to-school spending in the United States will reach $39 billion this year -- an average of $875 per household, up from $697 five years ago.
That's why Lighthouse Church hosted the drive to get nearly 700 students ready for their first day back.
"So many people are struggling, especially after the storm. As you can see, you know, people really needed the help, so it's only right," Lighthouse Church Pastor Shaunie Henderson said.
They gave out backpacks with supplies and Drew and his cousin, Paris Wheeler, are both grateful.
"I needed all of the supplies, a notebook, a binder," they said.
Lighthouse also offered free haircuts, all while dealing with the recent closure of their house of worship.
"This is saving a lot of parents a lot of money and a lot of time and so, you know, we said the building is closed, but the church is still open," Henderson said.
Families were grateful for the help.
"I mean, I'm so happy that, you know, there's people out there that's willing to help," Avila said.
Although tax-free weekend is underway, it might not be enough.
Rep. Ron Reynolds is introducing legislation to increase the current $100 maximum amount per item and expand tax-free weekend to a full week.
"I believe $500 should be in the legislation and that is the amount that I'm going to propose in the bill," he said.