School supply donations needed as kids head back to school

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Raleigh Rescue Mission is accepting school supplies for children in need at the Dollar General on Six Forks Road in Raleigh Friday and Saturday.

You can purchase school supplies at the store or drop off your own.

The Back to School Fill the Truck School Supply Donation Event goes on until 10 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

Lauri Para, of the Raleigh Rescue Mission, says they'll give the supplies to at least 30 children currently at the shelter and to other children in need at a backpack distribution event on August 20.

"Families that are suffering and that are kind of making it paycheck to paycheck are struggling to be able to get some of the basic school supply necessities that are required for schools," Para said. "So this is just one extra way to help them to maybe alleviate some stress. So their kids can go to school feeling confident and ready to learn."

Devon Rudolph bought extra items while shopping so he could donate.

"It's sad being that America has so many resources and our kids are our future that they don't have it," Rudolph said. "So it's really upsetting that our future doesn't have the proper materials they need to excel in life... If I wasn't able to I would like somebody else to help my child who's going to kindergarten in August. If I can give I will."

Sherry Branch also donated. She said it's important children are prepared for school.

"They need to feel good about themselves," Branch said. "And going back to school with clothes and supplies will boost their self esteem so it's very important to me. I have an 11-year-old granddaughter and I'm able to help her and I want to help some other people's children as well."

For more information: contact Dollar General at Celebration at Six Forks, (919)844-9469, or visit Raleigh Rescue Mission's website or view the event on Facebook.