(SPRINGFIELD) -- There's no denying that this year, the process of getting your kids back in the classroom isn't going to be cheap.

And that's why the Salvation Army has stepped in to make that yearly transition as easy as possible.

It's certainly a tough lesson about the economy, but a dozen volunteers are getting a high score when it comes to providing kids with the supplies they need to succeed.

"We absolutely love it," said volunteer Jeanie Davidson.

Instead of punching in at work- several people used their time and energy helping some of the community's youngest citizens.

"We feel good and it's a great thing to do, gives us time away from the office to be able to give back to our community," said Davidson.

It's the United Way's "Day of Caring" - 24 hours devoted for people who have the urge to spend their day on someone else.

"I think it's very important because anything they can do extra on the side can help them out. It helps the family in turn.  So, it's a great thing," she said.

Volunteers formed a line at the Salvation Army filling book bags with school supplies.

"I think it helps them tremendously because you know a lot of them struggle just to pay their bills let alone send kids to school so, I mean any donation helps tremendously," said Rebecca Robertson, volunteer and mother.

Organizers are aiming to help more than five hundred kids, but not just with back-to-schools supplies.  They're getting them clothing and shoes and they'll deliver them to schools.

"I think it would be so exciting to see them and they are so excited that they get new things and you know even donations.  They get to go through and get clothes and things.  It's going to be a great day," she said.

Starting Thursday, August 14 at 9 a.m., those supplies will be available for the families that signed up with the Salvation Army to pick those items up at its thrift store on south Campbell in Springfield.

Kids are also getting free haircuts for a fresh look for school.

The Salvation Army does need more volunteers Thursday.

To help out you can call Shirley McDonald, community relations director at the Salvation Army offices at (417) 862-5509.  Volunteers are needed to fill several shifts during the day.