Coming this weekend: Virginia’s sales tax holiday.

Virginia used to have several sales tax holidays, but legislation passed in the Commonwealth in 2015 has combined them into one weekend, Aug. 5 to 7 this year.

So, if you are in the market for school supplies, clothes, appliances or emergency preparedness items, you will save.

Here is what you need to know:

Consumers can purchase qualifying school supplies ($20 or less per item); clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item); hurricane and emergency preparedness products ($60 or less per item)l and Energy Star and WaterSense appliances ($2,500 or less per item) without paying sales tax.

Clothing and school supplies: Items such as backpacks, calculators, lunch boxes, disinfectant wipes and tissues are exempt. So are shoes, belts, bathing suits and diapers. See this extensive list from the Virginia Department of Taxation for what is and is not included.

Qualifying Energy Star™ Items: dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, light bulbs, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators are tax exempt. WaterSense items include bathroom sink faucets, faucet accessories such as aerators and shower heads, toilets, urinals, and landscape irrigation controllers. See this list of what is and is not included.

Emergency and Hurricane Preparedness: Qualifying items include portable generators ($1,000 or less per item: gas-powered chainsaws ($350 or less per item); chainsaw accessories ($60 or less per item). Other items for $60 or less include batteries, smoke detectors, duct tape, bottled water and first aid kits. See a list of items.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is offering free back-to-school haircuts for children in need next week.

In Reston, the firefighters (and hair stylists) will be at Southgate Community Center, 12125 Pinecrest Rd. on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will also be haircut events at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St., Alexandria on Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Rd., Alexandria, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 26.

The off-duty firefighters are teaming with the Progressive Firefighters of Fairfax County, Inc., WKYS 93.9 FM, Apple Federal Credit Union, Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue, SENTEL Corporation, and local barbers to provide free haircuts for local kids on free or reduced lunch plans.

Children will also be provided backpacks with school supplies.

As Cornerstones and Kids R First team up for their annual back to school drive, the nonprofits have found more need in the community than ever before.

Cornerstones is seeking donations of 3,200 backpacks to give to Reston and Herndon children in need. That’s 1,000 more backpacks than last year, Cornerstones says.

The backpacks, which Kids R First fills with school supplies, are given to Cornerstones’ clients as well as students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty.

Here is how to donate:

Visit Cornerstones to pledge the number of backpacks you plan to donate.

Purchase new backpacks (no wheels or corporate logos, please). There is a need backpacks for students at all levels.

Deliver the backpacks to Cornerstones Administrative Office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston. Drop off backpacks weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 12.

Backpacks can be purchased through Cornerstones’ Amazon Wish List, and the backpacks will be mailed to Cornerstones.

In addition to backpacks, Cornerstones’ case managers are requesting donations of new underwear for elementary school age children. Payless gift card donations ($25) are also welcome so that Cornerstones’ young clients can get a new pair of shoes.