MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Tax Free Weekend kicked off today and thousands of people in South Carolina will head to stores over the weekend to take advantage of the savings. The annual sales tax holiday began on Friday, August 5 and will end at midnight on Sunday, August 7.
While many of those taking advantage of the back to school savings are teachers and parents, homeless children at New Directions of Horry County shelters are in particular need of school supplies.
“We have kids who are starting kindergarten this year and we have children as old as seniors in high school,” said Executive Director of New Directions, Kathy Jenkins. “So if you’re picking up something for your child and can pick up an extra pack of pencils or an extra notebook, we would love it.”
Jenkins said the New Directions shelters have about 40 homeless children who will attend school in Myrtle Beach in a few weeks. She says those kids will need school supplies when school starts and the shelter welcomes help from the community.
“I think our kids often feel a little bit different from everyone else because their situation is different,” said Jenkins. “They can’t invite friends home after school. So imagine just being homeless and being in school and not really wanting people to know you’re homeless.”
Jenkins said the children at the shelters have become like family and “they’re very appreciative of any little thing someone does for them.”
The shelter is looking for school supplies for their children as well as paper towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
“Parents who are out with their own children and are looking at things that your children need and want, you know there are children sitting over in our shelters who need and want the same things and can’t always afford to do it,” said Jenkins.
For more information on what items you can purchase tax-free, click here.
