Summer is coming to an end and it’s almost time for students to return to school in Lawrence County.

While many stores in the region are offering sales and great deals on back-to-school supplies, it can still be costly for many families to see to it that their children are properly equipped for the academic year.

Thankfully, two events this week helped to ease that burden.

On Saturday, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironton hosted Tools 4 School, in which 1,600 backpacks were given out.

And on Tuesday in South Point, the village’s churches hosted their annual supply giveaway, distributing 600 packs.

In both cases, the backpacks were filled with things such as pencils, notebooks and other items that the children will need.

Both of these events are a tradition in the county, with Tools 4 School marking 15 years and the South Point event going on for several years.

We are thankful for these efforts and all the volunteers and donations that went toward them.

These acts of generosity will go a long way toward helping students in their education.