ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Russ Lyon is making sure kids in the Finger Lakes start the school year off right. 

He’s volunteering with The Spot, a nonprofit helping schools in Canandaigua and Victor. 

Each backpack filled by a volunteer goes to a student, stuffed with everything they need once they head into the classroom. 

"We're setting them up for success I would say," Lyons said. “Times are tough, people are having a rough time."

Not having to worry about buying school supplies relieves the stress of not only parents but also the students themselves. 

“Students can come on the first day with a backpack with supplies. They aren’t raising their hands saying I don’t have a red folder, they get to come with a backpack like everyone else," said Victor principal Hedi Robb. 

This backpack drive is The Spot’s biggest event of the year. A total of 700 backpacks get handed out to families between the two schools. 

The Spot also does work throughout the year in the districts. It provides students free food, clothing, supplies and personal care items in all their schools.