The Won Foundation hosted a community back-to-school event at West Valley City's City Park this past Saturday, providing local families with free haircuts, food, and school supplies to help students prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Community Support and Resources
The event, which took place on August 1, offered several resources intended to support families and remove barriers to education. According to a post from the West Valley City Government, attendees had access to free youth haircuts, free food, and free backpacks and school supplies while supplies lasted. The initiative also included various community resources and family activities designed to help local youth begin the school year prepared.
Rising Costs of School Supplies
The drive for supplies comes at a time of rising educational costs. According to the United Way of Salt Lake, the National Education Association estimates that the cost of basic educational supplies increased by an average of 7.3 percent between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. This trend has placed additional financial burdens on both families and teachers, with the NEA estimating that educators spend between $500 and $900 of their own money on classroom supplies.
United Way Mobilizes for Students
The United Way of Salt Lake is currently managing its 16th annual Stuff the Bus campaign to address these needs. The organization has set a $100,000 fundraising goal to fulfill requests for backpacks and supplies for more than 30 schools across four districts in Salt Lake and Davis counties. For the 2026 campaign, the organization is working to meet requests for approximately 6,000 backpacks and over 100,000 individual items, including pencils, glue sticks, and crayons.
West Valley City Growth
West Valley City continues to see growth and community investment through various partnerships. According to the University of Utah, the city is Utah's second-largest city, with a population exceeding 140,000 residents. The University of Utah Health also maintains a significant presence in the area, providing outpatient services to approximately 85,000 residents annually.
Ongoing Youth Support
In addition to individual nonprofit efforts, West Valley City provides various after-school programs to support student development. The city's official website maintains resources regarding available after-school opportunities for local youth.
Event Logistics
The Won Foundation's event at City Park was part of a broader effort to foster community connection. The event's location at 4552 W 3500 South served as a central hub for families seeking assistance before the new school year begins.
