Hundreds receive free school supplies in Roanoke

With the unemployment rate in Roanoke slowly rising, back to school shopping is becoming a burden for more and more families who struggle to afford the basics.

Hundreds showed up Saturday for the Back to School Blast at Carilion Clinic's Riverside Center parking garage in Roanoke, eagerly awaiting free school supplies handed out by local mission groups.

"I'm happy that I'm here," says Amanda Dooley.  "I'm happy that I can do whatever I can for them and that's what I'm here for."

Lines snaked around as people waited before letting their children get free shoes, haircuts and then school supplies.


Last year, the Back to School Blast had 700 people. This year, 1,500 showed up. But even with twice as many people, when it comes to backpacks, each kid still gets their own choice.

The giveaway moved efficiently once the lines started to form.  There were no requirements to come.

"So many volunteers are really excited to be a part of this, whether it's cutting hair or face painting or giving out book-bags," says Lee Clark with Rescue Mission Ministries.