ROANOKE, Va—
It's back.
The 6th annual Back 2 School Blast takes place this Sunday at the Roanoke Civic Center.
It is sponsored by Roanoke's Rescue Mission and several area charities.
The goal of the event is to give needy children in the Roanoke Valley a book bag full of school supplies.
Just a few weeks ago, the shelves at the Rescue Mission were virtually empty.
Supplies weren't coming in.
"We were a little nervous at the time but as you can see the community came through," said Volunteer Stacy Boris.
It certainly did.
On Tuesday, the lobby at the Rescue Mission was full of donated supplies.
Carilion Clinic also delivered several boxes of supplies collected by employees.
Overall, the Rescue Mission says donations are down this year.
Volunteers believe it's because of the recent derecho storm.
They plan to help 1,500 children this year, slightly down from last year.
"I think it really touches us to see their excitement and their appreciation for what we're doing," said Carilion Clinic Volunteer Lisa Allnut.
If you'd like to donate, you can drop off supplies this week at Roanoke's Rescue Mission.
The Back 2 School Blast is Sunday from 2 to 6 P.M. at the Roanoke Civic Center.
If you didn't pre-registered, there will be a limited number of tickets on the day of the event.
