BAKERSFIELD, CA-- The Bakersfield Homeless Center handed out backpacks to disadvantage children Saturday.
The event was sponsored by KGET and The Bakersfield East Rotary Club.
"For some of these kids this might be the only new thing they had in years," said Amanda Frank, Bakersfield East Rotary Club.
"It's exciting for them to get to go and to choose something that suits their personality as opposed to something they just received from someone else."
Over 800 backpacks were donated by the community. Volunteers stuffed the backpacks with school supplies earlier in the week.
Carrie Freiberg has four children and says this program has been a big help in getting her kids ready for the school year.
"It's just so expensive to go out and get all these school supplies for all these kids," Freiberg said.
"This is such a great event and to have them come out and give us the backpacks and have them donate it with all the school stuff. It helps us get on our feet. Get the first week of school out and planned, know what we need to get taken care of."
Not only could children pick out a backpack, they could also get a book, clothes, and a little ice cream.