OVER-THE-RHINE, Ohio (WKRC) - A church in Over-the-Rhine is making sure kids have all the tools they need as they get ready to head back to school.
The House of Hope Fellowship Church held a back-to-school supply drive Saturday night, and they've already gotten a few donations.
The supply drive was part of a back-to-school extravaganza. Speakers talked to motivate and get kids excited about heading back to school, and they also held a concert at 6 p.m.
This was all headed up by Brandy Leonard, the worship leader at the church.
Just Friday, she received three bins full of donations, and the largest donation so far has come from someone who donated 200 backpacks full of supplies.
Brandy says for what started out as a small goal has now grown into an opportunity for them to help more children who are in need in Over-the-Rhine as they head back to class.
"As a child, when you walk into school it's embarrassing to come in with the things other children don't have, and I saw a need here," Brandy said. "I saw that there were children who might possibly be able to use extra school supplies, backpacks and things, so I knew I couldn't do it myself. So I kind of put it out there for people to come help to contribute to the need that we have at House of Hope."
Brandy also says having the children prepared with the right supplies will boost their confidence.
"I think the children are definitely going to feel a little more confident walking into school. They're going to feel like they are making a difference themselves when they are walking in with what they need to have. It's a confidence-builder, definitely," she said.
Some items they still need are disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, glue sticks and facial tissues.
This is the first year Brandy has led this event, but with such a strong response, she certainly wants to make this an annual event.
