The "Backpack Drive" is back: Kinecta Federal Credit Union is hosting its 14th annual backpack and school supply drive to assist children in under-served communities. 

Kinecta is now accepting donations of new backpacks and school supplies for under-served students in grades 3-12 (for the 2023-2024 school year). The drive will run from now through July 27.

Kinecta's goal is to collect and fill 800 backpacks. Contributions can be made through Kinecta's Amazon Wish List, monetary donations, or by dropping off supplies at any branch location.

Last year, families spent an average of $864.35 on back-to-school shopping, according to the National Retail Federation, presenting a significant financial burden for families with limited resources. With recession fears and inflation, the backpack drive provides a critical support for families with extremely tight budgets.

School supplies needed include highlighters, folders, notebooks, glue, pencils, pens, pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, rulers, paper, binders, scissors, erasers, backpacks and calculators. All items must be new and unused.

Last year's drive reached more than 800 students. Since 2010, Kinecta has helped nearly 7,000 students receive much needed school supplies.