Hundreds of kids receive backpacks and supplies in time for the school year

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Organizers at United Way are gearing up for one of their biggest giveaways of the year.

The Back to School Backpack Giveaway is a chance to give back to the community and is in partnership with ABC30.

"We get to interact with the kids and they're so excited to get the backpacks the look on their face makes it all worthwhile," CEO Lindsay Callahan said.

The extreme heat and bad air quality were behind postponing this year's event Callahan said that might have worked in their favor.

This ended up being a great Friday to do it because lots of kids are going back to school this upcoming Monday were closer to the start of school.

Close to 2,000 backpacks will be given away this year and it's not just a backpack giveaway. Each bag is filled with school supplies.

Students between the ages of 5 to 15 will get a backpack filled with a binder, paper, crayons, pencils and 2 books. United Way works year round to make sure working families in Fresno and Madera Counties are thriving.

They say every bit of support helps.

"I've also talked with adults who, when they were kids, didn't have backpacks," Callahan said. "Those are the ones who really drive it home for me. Because they remember that when they were kids they didn't have a backpack or even supplies to take to school."

The backpack giveaway is made possible through donations and organizers said it shows the community's support for future generations.

"It's all about education and it's all about making sure that kids are ready to learn and this is that first step," Callahan said.

After the backpacks are distributed, the movie "Avengers: Age of Ultron" will be shown on a big screen for families to enjoy a movie in the park.