ROCHESTER, N.Y. —Rochester was one of just 10 cities across the nation chosen by Tom's of Maine to receive 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies for students in need.

The backpacks were distributed by Pencils & Paper, a local group that helps teachers in the 42 school districts across Monroe County where 70 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch.

This summer West Ridge Elementary teachers Joy Frazier and Katie Bleier found out their school had enrolled with Pencils & Paper.

"We want them to be successful but to be successful they need to have proper materials, and unfortunately many of them don't. So we do whatever we can," said Frazier.

While the two teachers help supplement their classroom supplies out of pocket, backpacks can often be an item that gets overlooked.

"There's always a few that don't have a backpack or don't have one big enough to put their folders in," said Frazier.

Both teachers received backpacks courtesy of the Tom's donation and say they already have students in mind.

"It will mean a lot to them, having someone think of them when people aren't necessarily putting them first. So here's an opportunity to make them feel like something is just for them," said Bleier.

The remaining backpacks will be distributed across the remaining school districts.