A NYC non-profit is asking for the public's help in raising money for an annual campaign that provides children with backpacks before the start of the school year.

The Child Center of NY is currently holding its "Backpack Drive", which officials said is vital for some families amid the pandemic.

Organizers told NY1 that for many students, this will be the first time in more than a year that students will actually be heading back to school for in-person learning.

According to the Child Center of NY, a donation of $35 covers the cost of a quality backpack which is then filled with age appropriate books and supplies. 

"Now more than ever in the pandemic, when we know that so many families have lost their jobs or really need to think about their priorities on how they are able to afford their needs, our backpack drive really allows us to provide them with fully stocked backpacks," said Linda Rodriguez, a Senior Vice President at The Child Center of NY. 

During their last backpack drive, the organization handed out almost 2,500 backpacks to students in need. 

To contribute as either an individual or as a business just go to www.childcenterny.org.