AUBURN - Preparing to send children back to school can be a financial balancing act for many local families, but two local organizations attempted to make things a little easier during Sunday's school supply give-away.

With more than $1,500 in supplies given out, hundreds of parents and children lined up inside the Booker T. Washington Center in order to avoid the rain coming down outside.

Pencils, binders, notebooks, paper and glue were just some of the necessities given out by the center and the Auburn/Cayuga County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“This is not everything they need, but it allows for parents to go out and spend their money on other essentials such as new clothing,” said Eliezer Hernandez, president of the local NAACP. “During this economic struggle, it can be very difficult for families, and every little bit helps.”

Adrienne Vanderpool, of Auburn, said the event was crucial for stretching her limited budget because it allowed her to fill her children's backpacks with supplies while leaving her with enough money for birthdays and other necessities.

“You can only provide so much when you're on a limited income,” Vanderpool said, as she watched her children enjoy free hot dogs after picking up several bags filled with supplies. “We are doing the best we can and programs like this are great to help people.”

With children from kindergarten to 12th grade participating, organizers divvied up supplies by grade level to ensure students only got what was needed.

Elementary school students were equipped with scissors and glue in preparation for art class while high school students were given binders to have a space to organize their English, history and science notes.

“We get people who come in here who say 'I don't need that, give it to someone else, but I do need this'”, Hernandez said. “People are really great about only taking what they need so that other people can have something. That is a value that is definitely taught within the home.”

As she stood outside of the center with her two sons, Randell Agee, 12, and Rasuan Agee, 10, Jacqueline Harris, of Auburn, said she was grateful for the help the event's organizers were giving her family.

While Harris admitted it can be difficult to raise her children since they lost their father two years ago, she said the event served as a reminder to always remain faithful.

“This (event) is a blessing from God,” she said. “God will make a way for you. Sometimes you can get discouraged as a single parent, but if you put God first he will take care of you. He will help you through those hard times.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net