The Backpacks for Hope program kicks off today for area kids. The program is run through the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club. They're asking people to donate school supplies and backpacks for local children who need them.

The donations help anywhere from 250 to 400 kids every year. Donations can be dropped off at their office, along with about 30 drop-off locations in Orange and Sullivan counties.

"Backpacks are not cheap, but neither are school supplies," said Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Lori Rivenburgh. "A lot of kids' parents really struggle with getting all the needs for the school year to start off really well, so we want them to start really great, so we fill the backpacks chock full of great things to help them, and hopefully it will give them a great start to the school year."

Families have until August 10 to send an application to receive supplies. They'll be distributed at the end of August.