RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Over 160,000 students enrolled in Wake County Public Schools will head back to school on Monday.

A few of those students told CBS17 that after a great summer, they are ready to go back.

On Sunday, A’s for Kids hosted their annual back-to-school backpack drive.

“I truly believe that when kids are not fully prepared for school, it’s hard for them to focus on school, so preparing them and letting them know they have a community behind them I feel like that better prepares them,” said the group’s founder, Amy Quick.

Students loaded up their backpacks with over $5,000 worth of school supplies that were donated by the community, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the Wake County EMS.

“We’ve given out a lot of school supplies today. The turnout has been amazing, especially for a day that’s a little warmer,” said Sgt. Ryne Doxsie, of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.

As inflation continues to increase the price of materials, parents say they are thankful for the weight lifted off their shoulders when it comes to the cost of school supplies.

“It’s a big relief. Y’all helped a lot with the kids and being that I am a single parent, it’s a big relief for me,” parent, Malia Hodge said.

Students also had the option to get a haircut or their hair braided ahead of the first day.

“I always felt like when your hair is done, you feel good, it doesn’t matter what’s going on around you, you just feel good when you look good,” Quick said.

The preparation is all for a successful school year.

“Let’s have a good year, that’s all I can say is to go in and have a good year,” grandmother, Irene Owens, said.