Dozens of children get free back-to-school supplies in Calumet City: 'There is more need than ever'

CALUMET CITY, Ill. (WLS) -- There was a lesson in how community helps each other Tuesday in the south suburbs, as kids got back-to-school supplies, with the school year quickly approaching.

It was an exciting day for 6-year-old Kayla Lopez.

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The soon-to-be first-grader was one of several students who received back-to-school supplies in Calumet City.

"I'm excited!" Lopez said.

On Tuesday afternoon, about 100 kids got book bags full of school essentials and more, along with underwear, socks and shoes.

It was something 14-year-old Aden Vega says he needs.

"The Crocs, cause I got Crocs, but they are getting small on me," Vega said.

The annual event is part of a nationwide effort by the Salvation Army Chicago.

"There is more need than ever; so, we're doing a part to help take away some of the stressors," said Jeffery Jones, with Salvation Army Chicagoland.

It's happening because of the generosity of sponsors like Advantage Toyota of River Oaks and the Toyota/Lexus Minority Dealership Association.

"People need help nowadays, children, especially when they're going off to school," said Janet Frazier, with Advantage Toyota of River Oaks.

According to a new survey by Deloitte, Chicago parents will spend more on school supplies this year than last year.

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Spending on kindergarten through 12th-grade students will cost local families about $740 per child this year.

That's 30% higher than the national average.

Spending on clothing will remain the same.

Jennifer Statham, who has a disability and is a mother of three, is among the parents saying, with federal cuts to food assistance and other programs, Tuesday's gift was right on time.

"It's a big difference because a lot of school supplies, a lot, especially with three of them," Statham said.

Jasmyne Hines came to the giveaway with her brothers and sisters.

"This helps a lot because my mother is also working two jobs just to make sure we have school supplies and everything," Hines said.

The Better Business Bureau is warning parents and families about scammers, now that it's back-to-school shopping season.

Those buying a high-end item like a laptop should do research and buy from trusted retailers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.