A back-to-school backpack drive is underway for children and families served by the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County (CVC). Until Wednesday, Aug. 7, new backpacks may be donated at the drop box at state Sen. Carolyn Comitta's district office in the atrium of 17 E. Gay St., West Chester. The building will be open from Mondays through Fridays during regular office hours.

All donations will benefit victims of crime and their families and will be distributed at the CVC's annual back-to-school drive event. The drive is supported by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and the Independence Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. Last year, the donated supplies benefited more than 50 current and former clients of the CVC.

Current and former clients of the CVC are invited to attend the back-to-school drive on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at 135 W. Market St., West Chester. Reservations are required by calling the CVC at 610-692-1926 or by emailing reception@cvcofcc.org.

The CVC has been serving victims since 1973 and is the designated provider of services for sexual violence victims within Chester County. The organization has two hotlines available 24/7 for community members in need of assistance. Victims of sexual assault may dial 610-692-7273, and victims of all other crimes may dial 610-692-7420.