Free Backpacks, Supplies Distributed for Kids in Need

It's back-to-school shopping season in Washoe County, just a little over a week before the new school year begins.

That can be tough on kids whose families don't have the financial means to afford new school supplies. So on Friday, hundreds of Washoe County kids got a little help from our community.

Volunteers of America partnered with the school district to distribute brand new backpacks full of school supplies in its annual "Operation Backpack." And Henry Schein, Inc. hosted its annual "Back to School" backpack program on Friday as well.

Both organizations are working to help the estimated 3,600 homeless students in Washoe County.

"Many of the children who receive these backpacks are growing up in weekly motels, literally living on someone's couch somewhere, and they don't have anything," VOA Community Relations Officer Sandy Isham said.

The backpacks are donated by people in the community, and families in need got to pick one that has supplies for the right age group. They were stuffed with school supplies, clothes, and toiletries.

"We want to make sure that we get these backpacks into as many hands of as many children as possible," Isham said, "so that on the first day of school, they'll be ready, and be prepared, and have the tools they need in order to succeed."

A Wireless is hosting a similar backpack distribution on Saturday, July 30 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Locations are listed below.