Back-to-school is an exciting time of anticipation for most students, but for some families, the cost of supplies can be overwhelming. RAISE28 is here to help.

The organization will host its annual Backpack Giveaway from Tuesday, Aug. 12, through Friday, Aug. 15, at 105 Fairview St., Mount Joy. Time slots will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If backpacks are still available, walk-ins will be accepted on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Backpacks for students of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade, will be available for pickup, each filled with school supplies and information about RAISE28.

"Last year we gave away over 650 backpacks to students across Lancaster County," shared Mark Unger, executive director of RAISE28. "As in years past, our goal is to distribute at least 600 backpacks this year."

RAISE28 offers the Backpack Giveaway as a way to bless students and families who find it challenging to make ends meet, he said.

"It also gives us the opportunity to introduce people to our facility and the various programs that we offer," he noted. "Like the backpacks, all of our programs and services are free of charge."

The initiative also provides a way for RAISE28 to connect with people and organizations in the wider community.

"The Backpack Giveaway is important to us as it gives us the opportunity to partner with local churches, volunteer organizations, businesses and individuals who join us in this venture to help others who are in need," Unger explained. "Most of the backpacks are donated by someone in our community, while RAISE28 purchases the school supplies."

He hopes people who have come to RAISE28 before as well as newcomers will sign up for a time slot for the Backpack Giveaway.

"If you are new to our area or have not participated in this event in the past, we want to encourage you to stop by and allow us to share about the services we provide for kids from kindergarten to 12th grade," he said. "It is the mission of RAISE28 to reach local youth with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ."

Backpacks may be picked up by registering for a time slot at https://raise28.org/Events. For more information, call 717-653-9511.