Most Minnesota students are back in school in about two weeks.

For shoppers at Mall of America, August is the sweet spot to shop for back-to-school. A recent survey from the mall found that most families will spend between $100 and $499 per student this year. The survey also found most families (61%) feel the economy is forcing them to tighten their budgets. Only 12% believe the economy has not impacted their spending.

MOA is doing a gift card sweepstakes until the end of the month. The mall is offering hundreds of gift cards with values ranging from $5 to $500. In all, MOA is giving away more than $10,000. To enter, shoppers can stop by the Back-to-School kiosk in the Level 1 North Atrium.

Free back-to-school events around the Twin Cities

Local organizations are stepping up to help families in need have a successful school year, from end-of-summer celebrations to free haircuts and full backpacks of essentials.  

Here's a look at well-organized, family-friendly events happening in and around Minneapolis–Saint Paul, all offering school supplies at no cost:

• Brooklyn Center
  • Back to School Event — Thursday, Aug. 21 (6–8 p.m.) at Firehouse Park. Offers free supplies, food, music, resources —and a Movie in the Park at dusk.
  • Barbeque & Back-to-School Backpack Drive — Saturday, Aug. 23 (12 p.m.) at Earle Brown Center. Includes free backpacks, African BBQ, face painting, and more. Registration required.
• Brooklyn Park
  • Back to School Bash — Thursday, Aug. 21 (5–8 p.m.) at the Community Activity Center. Enjoy free food, backpacks, games and other resources.
• Brooklyn Park
  • Backpack Squad Distribution — Tuesday, Aug. 26 (5-7 p.m.) at Walmart on Riverdale Dr. Families can sign up to receive a backpack full of back-to-school essentials.
• Eagan
  • Back to School — Thursday, Aug. 21 (12 p.m.) Central Park Commons — at Pocket Park. Free backpacks filled with school supplies; limited quantities.
• Columbia Heights 
  • Cuts with a Cop — Saturday, Aug. 30 (1-4 p.m.) Moler Barber School. Students can connect with Columbia Heights Police Department officers can get a free haircut.  
• Elk River
  • Free Backpack Event — Main Street Family Resource Center (Aug. 18-22) Free backpacks and school supplies for children and youth. Reserve your spot here.
  • Backpack Squad Distribution—Aug. 25 (5-7 p.m.) Cub Foods on Freeport Ave. Aug. 25. Families can sign up to receive a backpack full of back-to-school essentials.
• Crystal 
  • School Supplies Drive — Becker Park (4 to 9 p.m.) Elementary and middle school students can get free school supplies and backpacks. There will also be snacks, music and a photo booth.
• Lakeville
  • Ready, Set, Achieve — Aug. 21. (12 to 4 p.m.) Lakeville North High School Commons. Supplies and immunizations for Lakeville area students.
• Saint Paul
  • Back to School Supply Giveaway Event — Thursday, Aug. 21 (2–5 p.m.) at Merriam Park Community Center. First-come, first-served backpacks filled with supplies.
  • Project Backpack — Friday, Aug. 22 (3–6 p.m.) at West Minnehaha Rec Center. Reserve a backpack; enjoy community booths, food, fresh produce.
• Minneapolis 
  • Ice Cream Social & School Supplies Giveaway — Aug. 22 (6-7:30p.m.) at Creekview Park.