The summer's not over, but some local groups are already helping kids prepare for the school year.

Several organizations in Madison County gathered Saturday to host a major back-to-school event.

The groups offered kids school supplies, as well as entertainment, prizes and a few presentations.

The health department was on hand to give check-ups and food was provided.

The goal of this collaborative effort was to get kids ready for school and help families out.

"[We want to] create some excitement, get them mentally ready to go back to school, think positively about it or have a good time." said Jerome Wiche, who helped plan the event.

"It shows the kids that there's someone out there that's actually looking out for them. For the parents that have a hard time of getting anything, it gives them a start," said Kimberly Butler, a mother attending the event.