(Source: Pixabay)

The seventh annual Operation Backpack program under the Helping Hands For Our Children organization is now underway and aims to help 100 children kick off the school year right.

The program provides children with a backpack full of school supplies and a “Back-to-School Box” with a week’s worth of clothing and new shoes. The collection campaign runs from June 1 to Aug. 1, and supplies can be dropped off at the organization’s distribution center (930 Galloway Street, #25 in Eau Claire) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 1pm.

Desired school supplies include backpacks, crayons, pencils, notebooks, folders, rulers, glue, scissors, pencil boxes, pens, markers, and erasers. Items for the back-to-school box include shoes (sizes 13-8), socks, underwear, and new or “like-new” school outfits (sizes 5-16). Donors can also sponsor a backpack for $25 or a back-to-school box for $50.

For additional info, visit helpinghandsforourchildren.com/operation-backpack or their Facebook page.