Some 800 children received donated school supplies Monday night during the Roanoke Rescue Mission’s “Back to School Blast” in southeast.  “We are grateful to have been able to help so many children and families through the generosity of the entire community, collecting back packs and school supplies,” said Lee Clark, Director of Development & Administration for the Rescue Mission. The number of children who received school supplies their families could not otherwise afford was up sharply from last year, by several hundred or more. After receiving their supplies, children were encouraged to write thank you notes to those that funded the annual event.