2,260 pounds of school supplies collected during Action News Jax Back to School Drive

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds of local children will head to school prepared this year thanks to generous people in the community.

Tuesday, Action News Jax held a back-to-school drive, and the community did not disappoint.

You all helped us collect 2,260 pounds of school supplies!

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Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole explains just how big of a difference your donations will make.

People of all ages came out to the town center on foot and by car to donate school supplies for the Action News Jax Back to School Drive.

“We donated awesome backpacks, school supplies such as pencils, papers, scissors, glue, colored pencils, markers,” Shatoria Grant excitedly told Cole.

"I donated backpacks and lunchboxes!" exclaimed Laura Henry.

Families with children in elementary through high school will spend nearly $700 on school supplies this year, according to the National Retail Federation.

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That's up $12 from last year and can be tough for some families.

That's why so many people, like Julie Areford, were willing to step up.

"I think there's a tremendous need in our community. I think a lot of people kind of overlook that there's a certain group of folks that it's not easy for them to go out and buy the notebooks and pencils and papers,” Areford said.

That need includes our homeless student population, too.

In Duval County, there were 2,746 homeless students last school year.

Areford told Cole she believes every child deserves a chance to start the school year off on a positive note.

"I have a daughter who is studying to be an elementary school teacher, so she sees a lot of this firsthand,” said Areford.

Not to mention every child loves to start the school year off with new gear.

“There's nothing like having that brand-new notebook or that brand-new flashy backpack on the first day of school, so we just want to help the kids have a great first day back!” said Henry.

All these school supplies, 12 boxes' worth, are going to be delivered to Duval County Public Schools on Wednesday!

Cox Media Group