POLK COUNTY, Iowa — Ahead of the first day of school, students and families got some much-needed assistance through Tax Free Weekend while Perry teachers were treated to a free shopping spree thanks to a good Samaritan.
Friday and Saturday marked Tax Free Weekend for the State of Iowa. The Outlets of Des Moines saw traffic comparable to Black Friday, according to general manager TJ Just.
“Yesterday we had a great day, many of our retailers said they had a very strong day,” Just said.
Shoppers at the outlets didn’t have to pay the 6% sales tax or additional 1% City of Altoona tax. That applied to all clothes and shoes under $100 per item.
“A lot of people are in the same boat as we are where every little bit helps, so we got to take advantage of it,” shopper Tara Lafollette said.
For large families, like the Muellers, the savings go a long way.
“There’s seven children in our family,” shopper Nicki Mueller said. “My baby boy is the only one not in school. We’re very thankful for the opportunity to save 50 or $100. It all adds up.”
Over at the Urbandale Target, Perry Elementary School teachers got to pick out whatever they wanted for free on Saturday.
“When you first go into teaching you’re kind of wide-eyed looking at things on Pinterest, anything you want to start decorating your classroom with,” Perry Elementary teacher Odaly Perla said. “Then you get to actually buying things and it all adds up and it makes you sad.”
Shopping carts were stuffed with school supplies, classroom decorations and even pieces of furniture.
“Last year was a tough year for Perry,” Perry Elementary principal Laura Skeel said. “We’re just looking forward to a new chapter and a new beginning with the school year.”
Once the shopping was done, Scot Dickerson covered all of the costs. All of the Perry Elementary teachers were invited and about 30 participated.
“I think if it weren’t for this, I probably would not buy a lot of these things just because I don’t have money to afford this,” Perla said.
Teachers who couldn’t make it to the Urbandale Target still got to participate. Some sent their wish lists to the Perry Elementary principal who picked out the items for them.