The annual United Way of the Eastern U.P. Project Backpack event took place Friday with around 400 bags given away.
The backpacks were filled with supplies that will help children prepare for the new school year.
The event was open to residents of Chippewa County with no proof of income required.
In addition to the backpack giveaway, several other organizations were on hand, including Cloverland Electric to Sault Fire and Police, Michigan State Police and the U.S. Guard, to hand out information. There were even two bouncy houses with free lunch available.
One Sault area high school junior is in her second month of volunteering for the United Way and was on hand to help.
Autumn Goldberg said her parents took advantage of this program when she was in elementary school. She was excited when they came home with the backpack and all the supplies inside it.
"I was super excited when my parents brought it back because there were markers, colored pencils, a lot of paper in there too. And, like, everything you need for school. It kinda gets you excited to go back. Not a lot of the classrooms can provide all of the stuff they need for every student," Goldberg said.
Dani Filipek has three children, but only one that is old enough for school. This is the second year she has attended the annual event.
"Last year, the event was outside by the football field. It was so cool last year and this year they thought of everything. They moved it to the Student Activity Center this year because of the chance for rain. It's great that they connected with LSSU. This is just an incredible experience for families. Anyone can come and get a backpack, a lunch and see all the amazing resources we have in Sault Ste. Marie," Filipek said.
If there were any supplies left over from the event, they will be given to area schools.
