Mendota business owner holds 14th backpack giveaway for kids

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of Valley kids now have the supplies they need for school thanks to a local business owner.

Ignacio Gutierrez sponsored his 14th annual backpack giveaway at Gutierrez Recycling in Mendota on Sunday. The backpacks were filled with pencils, notebooks, folders and other supplies. The items were donated by Gutierrez and other organizations and businesses.

Ignacio's late wife came up with the idea back in 2000, and the tradition has continued every year except 2011 when the family was grieving her loss.

Sunday's event also featured several informational booths, food, music and dancing.