Back-to-school backpacks, supplies given out at Watts park

WATTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Parents waited in line at Ted Watkins Park in Watts Saturday afternoon to grab gear for their children who will be heading back to school soon.

The parents received backpacks containing all the essential back-to-school goodies such as pencils, crayons, paper and erasers.

The Philanthropic Society Los Angeles and the group Children's Institute Inc. regularly support programs that help families in need.

"Here in Watts, our families are dealing with tremendous poverty. They may not be able to afford getting a nice backpack for their kids, getting the kind of school supplies that a kid needs to succeed in school," said Nina Revoyr with the Children's Institute.

One mother, Tarcy Harris, said she did not have enough money to spend on all the needed supplies for the school year, but thanks to the two groups her kids will be prepared for the upcoming school year.