The upcoming school year will begin in less than two weeks and some Abilene parents have only one daunting thought: school supplies.

More than 50% of Abilene students struggle with having adequate school supplies and many local businesses are looking to combat that statistic.

The League of United Latin American Citizens hosted the annual "Back to School Rally" at the South Park rec center this afternoon.

Many kids were able to receive some much needed supplies and encouragement to spur them along this coming fall.

"It's our way of reaching out to the community and being able to talk with them and be able to give them something they may need to go to school." Jo Guzman, Vice President of LULAC, said.

She estimated that 150 kids came to take home some school supplies.

Backpacks and pencils were among the long list of items that were given away along with toothbrushes donated by local dentists.

Scholarships were given away to high school graduates, one of those being Guzman's daughter.

The scholarship means the world to Megan Martinez because just a few years ago college seemed like an eternity away.

"It's amazing because I have a learning disability. I was diagnosed with ADD." Martinez said.

The recent grad has plans to attend Weatherford College and study Phlebotomy.

Her story has helped inspire many of the kids that attend today and Martinez said that her message is one of overcoming adversity.

"I just want these kids to have hope. Never give up, even when you're struggling keep going." Martinez said.