School supplies can break the bank for struggling families as students prepare for the fall term.

A back-to-school event this weekend may be just the relief those families need, organizers say.

The Scotland County chapter of the NAACP is hosting its 10th annual Back to School/Stay in School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at I.E. Johnson Elementary School.

Food and supplies will be given to all who attend. The supplies include backpacks, notebooks, notepads, crayons, pens and pencils.

State Rep. Garland Pierce, former NAACP chairman, said the event will help students "start the year on a positive note."

Enough supplies have been donated for 800 children, Pierce said, so he encourages children and parents alike to come to the event.

The speaker will be Myra Holloway, executive director of secondary education at Scotland County Schools.

"She's going to talk about the importance of education, the importance of doing a great job in school, the importance of getting off to a good start and we hope she will emphasize the importance of parent involvement," Pierce said.

He said the NAACP's involvement with schools goes beyond this weekend.

"We hope to continue doing something all year long and not just this one day," Pierce said.