Today, thousands of kids said goodbye to summer and hello to a brand new school year.

And thanks to the Junior League of Little Rock, they'll have everything they need to bring home an "A".

It's back to the books for students. A new school year means new folders, brand new binders, crayons, paper, pencils, and pens. For many families though, school supplies are an extra burden on an already tight budget.
   
"These are tough economic times for everyone," says Geyer Springs Principal Richard Mills. "It's a real struggle for the families to come up with that one time fund."
   
But as students sit down to learn their ABC's, parents won't have to worry about those 123's.

"We let the schools tell us what they need for their kids to start the year and we collect those school supplies," says Junior League member Lori Jolley.

It's the fourth year for the Junior League of Little Rock's “Stuff the Bus” campaign. For months, they've been collecting school supplies. Last week they unloaded box after box at four local elementary schools, much to the delight of  Principal Mills. "As you can see, we're set up and ready to go for the school year."

The League also made stops at Chicot, Baseline and Watson elementary schools. In all, 2,000 kids are outfitted for the new year.

"It's just very rewarding to know that these kids will have brand new school supplies to start the school year off with,” says Jolley. “They will have everything they need and they won't feel like something is missing."

Students will also have a way to transport all of those new supplies. Verizon Wireless is donating more than 1,900 backpacks.

"I just hope that it makes them excited about the year and excited about learning," says Junior League President Courtney McLarty.
   
The League is already working on next year. This Saturday, they are holding a supply drive at the Little Rock Zoo.

They are asking everyone to come out and donate notebook paper, 24 count crayons and number 2 pencils. The drive will be held Saturday from nine until noon.