School supplies can be an expensive annual purchase for parents.

Numerous packs of paper, pencils, crayons and folders add up at the check out counter.

And as the school year progresses many parents are informed they have to make additional trips to the store to provide even more supplies.

But local football standout Lorenzo Breland has been cushioning the blow for the past four years with his donations of school supplies. He holds these events at the school he attended as a small boy, South Side Elementary.

His goal is to not only provide children and their parents with school supplies and financial assistance respectively, but he also speaks to the children about both the importance of staying in school and being active.

These are things young people need to hear from someone who has accomplished both; his strong career in the Arena Football league and education from Jackson State University provide him with first-hand experience.

He also acts as the offensive line coach for Murrah High School in Jackson, where he teaches his players about football and the importance of receiving an education.

Next month he will again meet with the group of local children at South Side Elementary as they line up and collect the school supplies, which include packs of paper, folders, pencils, pens, rulers, tape and other items. The event is set for Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the event, he will also take time to meet each child individually and sign his autograph.

The Picayune Item salutes community members like Breland for their dedication to the town in which they grew up.

For a former Maroon Tide player to remember his hometown and dedicate some of his time and money to help them demonstrates true character.