Many parents are struggling financially, which means their kids are too, and with school starting in just weeks students will need supplies to get off on the right foot.

Pens, pencils, paper, folders and all the school supplies students need are being donated for the Wood County Stuff the School Bus event.

"A lot of people just come down with a bag of goodies that they've purchased and say here's your things and we go put them out," said Mary Schultz, the event's co-chairperson.

Two school buses were waiting to be filled Thursday morning at Veteran's Memorial Park. Unfortunately toward the end of the event, one bus was empty and the other still had room.

"We filled both of these buses last year and we didn't have a single break," Schultz said.

Normally, the Stuff the Bus would coincide with Lunch by the River, which draws a crowd. The rain canceled the festivities Thursday, but Stuff the Bus went on rain or shine because a large portion of students need economic help.

For five years the Wisconsin Rapids community has been stuffing the bus and the need is great, Schultz says about 40 percent of students in the district qualify to receive free supplies.

If you live in Wood County and need help getting all the necessary school supplies for your child, you can head to Lincoln High School on Saturday, August 18th from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. for the Stuff the Desk event.

Organizers are expecting to see a large crowd.

"We will probably have about 1,200 students coming through next Saturday," Schultz said.

You can still make donations by dropping off items at the district's central office. Cash is also accepted.