Local social and civic clubs joined health organizations and others to provide school supplies for students on Saturday.

More than 1,000 people turned out for the 17^th Annual City-Wide Youth Explosion sponsored by the Willie Carter Outreach Center at the Carl Parker Center.

Twenty-two tables lined the gym floor where the various groups distributed the supplies and goodie bags.

The ladies with Ebony Misses were on hand to give out age-appropriate reading materials.

Adonnia Lowe, an educator and STAR reading coach, said even coloring books and puzzles can help students when its time to test.

“They can go back and relate to what they learned,” Lowe said.

Over at the Fancy Step Ryders club table Laura Mitchell, club president, and Constance Oliver, handed out bags with a school supplies and even a tape dispenser.

“We like giving back to the community and support the kids who are less fortunate,” Mitchell said. “Our club was built on community service.”

Oliver, dubbed “the prayer lady,” said the club also volunteers at the Hospitality Center and love to help the community.

“I believe God can do for others what you cannot do for yourself,” Oliver said when asked about her nickname.

Johnny Hulin with the Willie Carter Outreach Center said the event takes about nine months to plan and organize.

“This is our 17^th year to do this,” Hulin said. “We started out at the Willie Carter Outreach Center with about 50 kids. Now there’s over 1,200 to 1,500 since that time.”

The Center helps with recovery, whether from substance abuse or mental illness or other ailments.

“This (event) community outreach is the best prevention program and prepares kids to be ready for school,” he said.

Hulin was also pleased to see the rising number of civic and social clubs in the city.

“There is a renaissance of civic and social clubs,” he said. “They setup to network with organizations in South County and every one has its own niche. We come together and work, stretch our finances to help the community.”