Anchored Ministries will hold its annual back-to-school program from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Hopewell Church, 2286 Hopewell Road, Elverson.

The program provides free backpacks, school supplies and clothing to students in need within the Twin Valley and Daniel Boone school districts, including private and homeschooled students.

"On that day, we will distribute the backpacks and any school supplies they may need," said Kurt Werner, Anchored Ministries' director of development.

Those who sign up for the program will be assigned a time slot to come in and select their items. Werner said that quality items will be set aside for each time slot and that food will be served to participants depending on what time slot they come in.

"It doesn't get to be a mad rush," he said. "We're really looking to avoid that Black Friday experience. ... We make sure that we keep a good supply of great items for people to pick up."

To be eligible for the program, families need to meet certain income or assistance guidelines, such as receiving SNAP benefits or having children in foster care.

During the back-to-school event, there will also be a touch-a-truck event taking place at the same location. In the past, local police have also attended the event.

Anchored Ministries is a primarily volunteer-based ministry that operates 10 programs, primarily in the Twin Valley community. Among its other programs are its mobile clothing closet, which offers new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories, and its prom boutiques, which helps local high-schoolers prepare for dances and get required clothing items.

The ministry is also heavily involved in the annual Elverson day and operates a "Food Truck Takeover" fundraiser at Twin Valley High School annually.

Anchored Ministries is seeking donations for the back-to-school program. Items should be brand-new and in good condition. There are typically drop boxes in local businesses, but Werner asked that those interested in donating visit http://www.anchoredministries.org or its social media pages for updated, accurate information on how to do so.

Anchored Ministries can be found by searching for "@AnchoredMinistriesPA" on Instagram and "Anchored Ministries" on Facebook. The ministry's physical location is 40 S. Chestnut St., Elverson.

The ministry is also seeking sponsors for the event. There are three tiers to sponsorship, perks of which include signage at the event, social media highlights, logos on printed materials and on the ministry's website and placement in the next newsletter. Information about how to sponsor is on the aforementioned website.

Students at the event will also have the opportunity to go through the ministry's mobile clothing closet, picking out whatever they want to prepare for the upcoming school year.

"They're just able to be kids, be students and focus on what needs to be focused on," Werner said. "It helps remove potential stigmas that are out there and makes sure that they have the best possible experience. Being part of that is huge for us."