Free school supply drive helps Durham families get ready for class

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The start of the traditional school year is approaching, and hundreds of people gathered at Durham County Stadium for a school supply giveaway held during the annual Stop the Violence resource fair.

Organized by the Durham County Sheriff's Office, the back-to-school event provided families with essentials, including pencils, pens, notebooks and backpacks. People packed the stadium to collect supplies ahead of the new school year.

"This is wonderful," one attendee said.

"I'm very thankful," another attendee said.

Parents said the event provides much-needed support as they navigate financial challenges and rising costs associated with returning to school.

Betty Little attended the school supply drive with her daughter, Armani, and her two nieces, Kaylee and Camya.

"The economy is not where it needs to be. So, this is wonderful for the community," Little said.

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Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said ensuring students have the supplies they need is critical to helping them start the school year successfully.

"I am convinced if we didn't do this, some of these kids would not have supplies. And we know how tough it is on teachers now. They don't have the resources to buy extra supplies So, again, this is really this is really critical for these kids," Birkhead said.

Birkhead said the event also aims to connect families with resources beyond school supplies.

"We connect people with resources... so they can get stabilized and get on their feet," Birkhead said.

The school supply drive is in its fourth year and comes as families face rising back-to-school expenses. According to the National Retail Federation, parents are expected to spend nearly $864 per child this school year, an increase from previous years.

Shirley Leake, whose daughter Stormie is preparing for fifth grade, said many families are struggling to afford school supplies.

"A lot of parents don't have enough money to support their kids, and they struggle to get their kids school supplies. We are very appreciative. This is a good thing," Leake said.

As the new school year approaches, organizers said the event helps ensure students have both the supplies and community resources they need to begin the year prepared.

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