Donations low for Rescue Mission's "Back 2 School Blast"

ROANOKE (WSLS) - Hundreds of local parents are expected to visit the Rescue Mission today to sign up for the "Back 2 School Blast".

The annual event provides school supplies to kids in need.

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This year, 1500 children will receive tickets. That's up 150 from last year.

The event will take place on Sunday. Staff is concerned as donations are low this year.

Less than half of the 33,000 items that are needed to fill the bags have come into the Mission so far.

Part of the reason for lower numbers is the event is being held earlier in the summer as the start of school was moved up.

Leslie Littlefield helps plan the event. She is hopeful many donations will come in today following the tax free weekend.

If collection goals are not met, the Mission will have to purchase items. Littlefield says many families rely on the supplies they receive at the event.

She says, "These families that we are serving are struggling so they may not be able to buy things for their children and so they may go to school without the things they need. That's just not a great way to start off school. We want the kids to start off school in a good way so that they can do well in school."

Registration will take place at the Rescue Mission from 9am-7pm. The deadline to donate supplies is also today.