It was like Christmas in August for Black Hills Federal Credit Union employees and area educators Friday as they distributed more than 50,000 donated school supplies.

The distribution is the culmination of the monthlong school supply drive spearheaded by BHFCU. Drop boxes were located at the credit union's branch offices and retail outlets throughout the Black Hills.

This is the 12th year the credit union has sponsored the drive.

"Some of the kids we helped in first grade will be graduating this year," said Carol Brown, marketing manager for BHFCU and co-chairwoman of the School Supply Drive Committee.

She says the goal of the drive is to ensure that all area students start school with the supplies they need to succeed.

"We're finding that the need has grown through the years," Brown said. "What we are hearing from the educators is that we have such a transient population, and the new kids are coming in with nothing."

Items donated included everything from backpacks and rulers to glue sticks and colored pencils. Supplies are distributed to Rapid City, Douglas, Spearfish, Wall and Hot Springs school districts. This year, the Hermosa School of the Custer School District was included.

"We get an estimate of the need from the superintendent's office and then distribute to the schools on that basis," Brown said.

The supplies are taken to a counselor's office or to individual teachers.

"They identify a need in a classroom, then call the child in and give them what they need," Brown said. "They do it in a real discreet manner so that others don't know they are getting supplies."

In addition to the countless individuals from throughout the Black Hills who donated to the cause, 50 businesses helped with the effort.

"It's a great project," she said. "And being able to know that we are making a difference in a child's life is pretty overpowering."