ROANOKE (WSLS) - 1500 kids from the Roanoke Valley received free school supplies at today's "Back 2 School Blast".
The event is held annually by the Roanoke Rescue Mission in an effort to help local families in need.
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This year, the mission was able to provide supplies for 150 more kids than last year making this it's largest event yet.
The mission estimates that it costs more than $100 to prepare a kid for school.
Without the event, some local parents say their kids would not start school with all of the supplies needed.