HRDC Hosts Annual Back-to-School Shopping Event

BOZEMAN, Montana — HRDC hosted its annual back-to-school shopping event in Bozeman on Tuesday.

New and used clothing, jackets, shoes, handbags and personal care products intended for incoming middle and high school students were found at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

Organizers say the event has become increasingly popular as the cost of living in the community has risen in recent years, and more than 300 students showed up at the fairgrounds to shop last year.

HRDC was hoping for an even larger turnout this time around, and representatives say they are incredibly grateful to the community members and businesses who donated items, services, and gift cards for students in need.

“It can be very difficult for a teenager to go back to school when you don’t have the same resources, the same backpack, the same shoes, or anything new to wear,” said Emma Hamburg, HRDC’s events and outreach coordinator. “We’re here to be that safety net, and through this event, we want to make sure that no child goes back to school feeling out of place.”

Local cosmetologists also volunteered their time at Tuesday’s event, offering free haircuts to help students start the semester in style — something Hamburg said is typically a highlight of the event.

“It’s a very special thing to be able to do it at no cost, because it’s something that could be out of the budget,” he said.

Before shopping, students had the opportunity to receive a variety of free on-site medical screenings from Vituity Cares Foundation physicians, including vision screenings and sports physicals, a new addition this year.