SPRING HILL, Fla.-- It's almost back to school across the Bay Area, and many families are in need of school supplies.
- 'Operation Backpack' helps families in need
- Estimated 600- 800 students got backpack with supplies
- This year, $10,000 worth of school supplies raised
Several organizations are holding events to help get students what they need.
Operation Backpack in Spring Hill is one of those events.
Hundreds of kids got the chance to start the school year off right.
"It's actually a really good help," said Ryan Belteramini, whose daughter is going into first grade. “Everyone struggles. Every little bit helps."
Belteramini joined hundreds of other parents at Town Square Mall for the 5th annual event.
Organizer Jennifer Larossa says there is a big need for school supplies.
"We have a great need in this community," Larossa said. "Every year the need seems to grow."
It's a community effort that helped an estimated 600 to 800 students in Pasco and Hernando counties get a backpack full of supplies.
"We've actually had children come in with no shoes, in pajamas," Larossa said. "It's really sad. We try to give the children the stuff they need to get through the school year."
This year local businesses and groups came together to raise $10,000 worth of school supplies. It's something they hope to grow in the coming years.
Several other fundraisers are still going on such as a supply drive in Pasco County.
If you'd like to donate, you can drop off supplies at the five tax collector officers in Pasco County.