Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

ELGIN, SC (WACH) -- Crossmark Church in Elgin hosted an annual event to parents and children get their back to school necessities.

This is their fourth year having an event called the "Closet of Belssings" which helps with back to school supplies, and has served nearly 3,000 people since August of 2009.

Ward Ratz was among many who showed up Sunday to shop for his two sons. The father lost his job and back to school shopping can add up.

"The biggest concerns are, are they going to have enough to go back to school. What a blessing this is to get the clothes, books, and the shoes," said Ratz.

They provided bags of school supplies, different bags for elemnetary, middle school, and high school students with the majority of what is needed in class.

Congregation member and organizer Luke Medlin said it's a way to let people know that the community cares. Through donations from both the congregation and businesses they have gathered enough to help many.

I had three older brothers so I had hand me downs, I also knew what it was like to go into school and not have a lot, and I know kids can be embarrassed when they don't have the right supplies," said Medlin.

To learn more about Crossmark Church and their Closet of Blessings click here.