Families, including some still dealing with the effects of Tropical Storm Harvey, lined up to receive free school supplies on Saturday.

The Willie Carter Outreach Center and its community partners sponsored the event, held in the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center gym on the Lamar State College Port Arthur campus.

Inside the gym, Ferry Griffin moved along through the line collecting necessary school supplies for her nieces and nephews.

“This is great. It’s a lifesaver and helps a lot especially for those who have to start over,” Griffin said, adding that her family was affected by Harvey. “This is such a blessing. Thank God for these people.”

Debra Eddie was there with granddaughter Kassidy Cain, 3. She too appreciated the help.

“I think this is wonderful and it helps out a whole lot,” Eddie said. “There are kids whose parents can’t afford it (school supplies) with the storm coming through.”

Dr. Levy Q. Barnes Jr. welcomed the crowd, which filled one side of the gym’s bleachers, with the song Good To Me. Another group of people were lined up outside waiting to come in.

Johnny Hulin, executive director of the Willie Carter Outreach Center explained there were about 20 resource tables with different agencies to civic and social clubs to Port Arthur Health Department and one group offering free vouchers for school physicals.

The event has grown from serving about 50 kids to averaging 1,200 to 1,500 kids every year.