The first day of school is just around the corner and some students in Hempstead got a jump start on all the supplies they will need.

More than 300 students received book bags filled with supplies Saturday donated and handed out by volunteers from ABBA Youth Mentoring Program. There were different backpacks for elementary, middle school and high school students, depending on their needs.Parents like Annette Bradley, whose daughter is starting the third grade, says it is a godsend. Rev. Reginald Benjamin, who organized the event, says he wanted to help the residents of Terrace Avenue because they have so little. He says the book bags may give the kids a new, fresh start this year and perhaps a new outlook. Benjamin says supplies are just one of the lessons his group is using to give them a leg up as they go back into the school system.

Organizers are hoping to help more and more kids in the community each year.