The Channel Islands YMCA Youth and Family Services will kick off its second annual Backpack Give Back on Thursday, July 1, to support local at-risk youth and provide the necessary tools to prepare them for the coming school year.

Many at-risk youth in the community lack the basic supplies, such as backpacks, to hold and keep their learning materials and personal items safe during the school year. The event, which runs through Aug. 10, is for the benefit of children ages 12-18 years.

The community is encouraged to donate new or unused backpacks at various drop-off locations, including the Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, and St. George YMCA Youth Center in Isla Vista.

The YMCA Youth and Family services hopes to collect up to 100 new empty backpacks for the backpack donation drive. The bags will be distributed to youth at the YMCA Youth and Family Services shelters at the start of the school year.

Although the pandemic has caused substantial disruption in the community, the YMCA remains committed to support youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and families.