HOPE Charitable Services loaded more than a half-million dollars worth of books, notebooks and desks into trucks for local schools.  The supplies were delivered throughout the day Wednesday to 12 schools in desperate need of help.

The deliveries come as the state is considering massive cuts to public education funding.  The charity's executive director Frank Allen is encouraging other people to get involved.

"We could spend a lot of time pointing fingers across the political aisles. If we would take that energy and begin to work in our own communities and our networks and relationships -- our employers, businesses in our area -- I think we can come out of this thing really really good," said Frank Allen, the charity's executive director.

.......The principal of James Monroe Elementary in Norfolk, Cassandra Duke-Washington, says she's thankful for the extra help.

"It's a wonderful feeling because it lets you know that we're all in this together to make a difference."

The House of Delegates' and Senate's budget differ from that proposed by Gov. Bob McDonnell, but they both include cuts to K-12 education.