Chicago alders are gearing up to give away thousands of backpacks.
The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Book Bag Distribution aims to help students and families cope with the rising cost of school supplies.
It's part of a broader initiative by the CABC to address growing concerns of poverty, layoffs and job insecurity affecting families in underserved communities.
CABC Chairman Stephanie Coleman says they've got more than 13,000 book bags to give away.
"Everyone is at a deficit, especially families, and we just want to provide some support and some relief to those young people that we are encouraging to return to school," Coleman says.
The CABC is holding book bag distributions across the city leading up to the start of school.
Chicago Public Schools students will return for the new school year on Monday, August 18th.