It may not be time to head back to school just yet, but it's never too early to start planning.

Every summer, more than 1,000 local students get free backpacks filled with school supplies during the "Backpacks, Supplies & More" giveaway. This year's event, which will be held next month, will be the 10th annual event.

Supplies are donated for a range of grade levels — pre-K through high school — each year by people and businesses. To donate time or resources, email backpackssuppliesandmore@gmail.com.

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"Your donations enable us to remove one financial burden from over 1,000 families who struggle with the decision of buying food or school supplies for their children," said Christine Williams, chairperson of Backpacks, Supplies & More. "My hope is that we may all continue to work together to help as many students as possible."

In addition to the school supplies, the event will also feature food and refreshments, a bounce house, face painting, a fire engine, state trooper and vendors with educational information, Williams added.

The program, formerly known as "Christmas in August," is coordinated between Christ Episcopal Church in the City of Poughkeepsie, the Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church in LaGrangeville and the Poughkeepsie-Arlington Rotary.

This year's backpack giveaway will be held on Aug. 19 at the Christ Episcopal Church, located on Carroll Street, from 10 a.m. to noon. A child must be in attendance at the event to get a free backpack.

"The committee is thankful for the 10 years of support, and we look forward to helping more families throughout the years, with your help," Williams said.

Nina Schutzman: nschutzman@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-451-4518 Twitter: @pojonschutzman

If you go

What: Backpacks, Supplies & More giveaway

When: Aug. 19, 10 a.m.-noon

Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street in the City of Poughkeepsie

Children must be present to get free backpacks