More than 500 students get free backpacks and school supplies

More than 500 students get free backpacks and school supplies: School starts in a few weeks but many parents are feeling the heat.    Because, getting kids ready for that first day involves a lot of preparation.   That's where Erie's Back to School Summer Jam comes into play.   'We want to make it easier access. Just come to one location, get your backpack, have a great time, get some supplies, and have a good time with your kids and your other family members out here,' said Cliff Crosby, the event coordinator.    More than 500 students left Veterans Stadium with a brand new backpack, filled with pens, pencils and other classroom essentials.    Volunteers said lending a helping hand goes a long way especially given the school district's budget crisis.   'Just to know that we played our part in helping kids go back to school prepared, seeing as though the district is already going through so much,' said Angela McNair, a Summer Jam Committee Member.   The cost of regular school supplies can add up for parents who have more than student heading back to class.   'Oh it helped me out a lot because I'm a single parent of five children and it's hard. It's very hard,' said Shamica Williams, a local parent.   On top of getting her five kids ready for the fall semester, she's also making sure other kids have the same resources.   This is the second year she's volunteered at the Summer Jam.    Organizers said now Erie parents should be able to spend more time with their kids and less time tracking down all that school supplies.