Eighth District Councilman Al Austin is partnering once again with the Youth Scholars & Athletes Assistance League and others to give away over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students at Scherer Park this Saturday.

The eighth annual “Back to School Summer Blast” event will include free haircuts, hot dogs courtesy of the Long Beach Police Officers Association, face painting and resource booths.

Kaiser Permanente and Benevolence Health Centers will be on site to perform health, dental, visual and Body Mass Index screenings.

“It is very important to me that we help our students start the school year off healthy, and ready with the tools to succeed,” Austin said.

Children must be present to receive backpacks, which are available while supplies last.

The event will be held Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scherer Park, at Del Amo Boulevard and 49th Street.

For more information email [email protected] or call 562-570-1326.