Merced backpack giveaway benefits hundreds of kids

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of children in the North Valley now have the school supplies they need thanks to one outstanding teenager.

There was a long line outside the Isaiah Project in Merced on Friday. Kids of all ages showed up to get free backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils and other supplies.

The giveaway was organized by 16-year-old Emily Foss with help from Kohl's Department Store and several volunteers. The Merced High School student gathered enough donations to distribute about 200 backpacks last year, and more than doubled that amount to give out 500 this year.

Foss was amazed to see so many children lining up before the event even started.

"Oh, it warms my heart," she said. "As I was walking up I couldn't believe the line, and I know it's just going to pile in even more, but I can't wait because I can't wait to see all the smiles that generates from this project."

The Isaiah Project is youth center set up at Calvary Assembly of God. It started in 2012 after 14-year-old Isaiah Romero was shot to death near the church. Organizers wanted to give local kids and teens a safe place to spend Friday nights.