Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect volunteer sign-ups. The school has received an overwhelming response from the community with hundreds volunteering their time.

Billy Earl Dade Middle School in South Dallas wants to make sure students have a male mentor available for its first dads breakfast.

And thanks to the response from the community, the school is no longer in need of male volunteers for its “Breakfast with Dads” event at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 14. Nearly 500 volunteers have contacted organizers to help with the event on Thursday.

School administrators and the event organizer, the Rev. Donald Parish Jr. of True Lee Missionary Baptist Church, were working to have mentors for students who might not have a father at the gathering.

“When a young person sees someone other than their teacher take interest in them, it inspires them. That’s what we want to see happen,” Parish said. “These kids need all the support they can get to be successful.”

The middle school has worked on improving its academic standing in Dallas ISD. Low test scores, high principal turnover and inexperienced teachers have been obstacles Dade has faced in recent years. As Texas Education Agency test scores show some academic improvement at Dade, Parish said the school is working to get community leaders and organizations involved to mentor students outside the classroom, too.

Parish said the school hopes to do another community mentorship event in the spring.