News 12 at 11 o'clock / Sunday, August 8, 2010

AUGUSTA---News 12 is Giving It 4Ward just in time for the new school year. Candye Smith takes you along for one of the biggest surprises yet.

"Hey guys, we're at United Way," said Candye. "It's a surprise. They didn't know we were coming."

Give It 4Ward showed up with thousands of dollars in school supplies. The surprise led to automatic tears.

"Thank you so much," cried a local worker.

Those supplies were taken to a room full of boxes. Those boxes must be delivered to different locations across more than four counties.

"There is a great need in the community," said Rina Powell with United Way of the CSRA. "We really are finding that the needs are growing."

Simple things like crayons went out to more than 900 kids last year.

"Call volumes have increased 50 percent from last year," noted Powell. "It's a great example of what's happening (economically)."

Powell said the supplies couldn't come at a better time.

"It all looks so pretty too," said employees about the boxes that came gift wrapped. "It's like Christmas."

"It's just something that I take to heart," said Candye. "I go out there, and I do it."

Augusta Sports Wear donated the supplies that cost more than $3,000.

"It gets better and better every year," said Candye. "More sponsors are joining us. They say, whatever you decide to go out and do, we want to support."

"Keep Giving It 4Ward," said Powell. "We'll keep passing it on."

"You never know where Give It 4Ward will show up next," said Candye.