The annual scramble to prepare children for school can be emotionally and financially draining.

On Saturday, hundreds of Wake County families found much-needed relief at the Boys and Girls Club on North Raleigh Boulevard, where a large back-to-school giveaway took place.

Organized by North Carolina Central University basketball coach LeVelle Moton and LA Clippers star PJ Tucker, the event provided more than just supplies; it offered hope and inspiration.

“I grew up in this Boys and Girls Club,” LeVelle Moton, NCCU Basketball Coach said.

Backpacks, pencils, paper, calculators, and a variety of other back-to-school supplies were given away.

Moton reflected on his own experience.

“I was these kids. If you zoom in on their faces, that was me,” Moton said. “It was a real challenge for my mom to provide backpacks, school supplies, and scientific calculators.”

For 15 years, Moton and Tucker have organized this giveaway, giving back to a place they consider home.

“It’s meant the world to me,” Moton said. “With the success I’ve had, I was always taught to send the elevator back down.”

Their efforts have a profound impact. “It just shows the kids that somebody cares. And that’s all kids really care about,” said Kevin McClaine, a parent.

With inflation pushing prices higher, the giveaway is more relevant than ever.

“So this is never gonna go out of style, because school is always going to be a reoccurring thing, and the economy is always going to be jacked up and unfair to some people,” Moton said.

The long lines at the event highlight both the need and the positive impact. “I’m a special education teacher at Cary, so this means a lot to me as well,” McClaine said.

In addition to school supplies, students received free haircuts and over 200 pairs of Crocs.

The event also serves to inspire young minds to aim high.

When asked about her favorite subject, student Kade McClaine said, “Math.”

Adrianna Land also shares her ambition for the future, “I want to be a computer engineer.”

Moton says their mission is to break down barriers for these young dreamers. “We want to remove obstacles and help kids feel valued, so they’re motivated to learn,” Moton said.

He says the giveaway provided approximately 1,300 backpacks.