600 students get school supplies in Murphysboro, IL

Longfellow Park in Murphysboro was jammed packed of students getting school supplies and having fun on Saturday.

More than 1,000 people came out for the 5th annual Servants for Christ and Berean Christian Church Annual School Supply Giveaway.

Students from around the region, and even as far as St. Louis, were given the supplies needed to start school this fall.

Pens, pencils, scissors, binders and other items were handed out to nearly 600 children.

Organizers say school supplies are costly and it's important that children have the necessary items to go back to school.

There were plenty of activities on Saturday, including face painting, haircuts, food and games.

Parents say getting the school supplies is a must with the economy still struggling.

One parent told Heartland News it's very hard to purchase all the needed supplies since she is unemployed. She said the event benefits her child to get the education she needs.

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