South Boston, MA Ironworkers Local 7 gave away school supplies to dozens of Boston Public School teachers, students and their families at the union’s fourth annual School Supply Drive.

Local 7’s NEXT Committee, a group of younger Ironworkers, collected donations and purchased thousands in school supplies to hand out to help teachers and families struggling to have the items they need in school. The event is held mid-year because often supplies run short as the school year moves along and teachers are frequently faced with having to buy items themselves for their students.

“Our teachers, students and families need the right supplies to make sure our kids get the best experience possible in our schools,” Local 7 president Frank Murray said. “We Ironworkers are proud members of our local communities in Boston and we are proud to help make sure our teachers and students have supplies for the rest of the school year.”

Dozens of volunteers helped organize and hand out pencils, markers, paper, glue, sharpeners, folders, art materials and more drive at Local 7’s union hall on Old Colony Ave.