# Free Backpacks Help Families Ease Back-to-School Costs | Roanoke News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890/free-backpacks-help-families-ease-back-to-school-costs-roanoke-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890/free-backpacks-help-families-ease-back-to-school-costs-roanoke-news.md
Podcast: [Roanoke News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890)
Published: 2026-07-26T21:58:28+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/806ad5539bd38713
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/d692af9b-ede4-43dd-9cb5-495f3e2e171b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890/episodes/free-backpacks-help-families-ease-back-to-school-costs-roanoke-news
Duration seconds: 82

## Resource

Back-to-school costs are crushing families, with parents spending nearly $864 on supplies—over $146 just for basics. But local Verizon stores stepped in, handing out free backpacks and helping families save $100–$150 per bag. With just 60 backpacks available, they vanished in hours as grateful parents lined up. It’s a small win that makes a big difference—proving businesses can ease financial stress and support communities during tough times. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/806ad5539bd38713

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