School is starting in less than two weeks in Lawrence County and, with that, comes the need to stock up on supplies and new clothes for children.

However, many times, due to financial hardship, or simply because of an overwhelming schedule, this task is difficult for many parents to pull off, especially in families with a large number of children.

Thankfully, there are many options in our region that give families an assist with the back-to-school effort.

In South Point, an event takes place every year at the village’s park in which the six churches that comprise South Point Community Churches distribute hundreds of  free backpacks to those who show up.

The event, which also includes a free lunch, as well as haircuts and other activities, does not require any registration or requirements. All attendees need to do is be present.

While in Ironton, as it has since launching the program 13 years ago, the St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Tools 4 School event handed out backpacks and school supplies to more than 1,000 families.

Preparation is key for children when it comes to succeeding in school and it is a blessing to our county that so many volunteer time and materials to ensure that all children are able to be ready on Day One when school begins.