With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, school supply shopping is at the top of many parents' list.
Eager to help with the financial stress of next year's new necessities, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA held their backpack outreach event at Camp Cristina in Riverview on Saturday.
Barbara Weingand said with just one income, they couldn't afford new supplies.
“It’s very, very expensive and everything has gone up even more since last year. So this was a very huge help," says Barbara Weigand.
The YMCA along side The Emergency Care Help Organization gave away over 1,600 backpacks to families in need. Inside they were filled with school supplies such as pencils, paper, folders, and tissues.
“It’s something that we do every year for the past 15 years, and it’s really an opportunity for the YMCA to go outside their facility and go into the community and help out in a big way," said Lalita Llerena, Communications Director for the Tampa YMCA.
Barbara's son Nicholas, who is entering the third grade says he loves his new backpack.
“I really like this back pack. I think I will keep it for a long time actually.”
As part of the event the YMCA was also offering free haircuts and was giving out bags of healthy food.
If you would like to donate school supplies, visit a YMCA in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus and Hernando to drop off items.
From now until August 16th, if you donate a supply the YMCA will waive the join fee for memberships.