Students get free school supplies in West Pullman

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago native Jennifer Hudson is helping thousands of local kids prepare for the first day of school.

Students received free backpacks and other school supplies in the West Pullman neighborhood on the South Side.

The event was part of "Hatch Day," an annual back-to-school event created by Hudson and her sister. It celebrates the life of the singer's nephew who was killed in 2008.