Hundreds of kids and their parents lined the sidewalks around the Salvation Army, N. Eighth St., Allentown, recently, following an announcement there was going to be a backpack giveaway.

More than 700 backpacks containing needed school supplies were distributed Aug. 22 to youngsters in kindergarten through fifth grade in the Allentown School District to help ease the financial burden on their families.

For the 15th year, community partners have rallied to the call as generous shoppers helped Stuff the Bus in early August at Walmart stores on MacArthur Road, Whitehall, and at the Mill Creek store, Lower Macungie Township.

In addition, the Rotary Club of Allentown, Kiwanis Foundation of Allentown, the office of state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, Allentown Art Museum, Barry Isett & Associates, UPMC, UGI, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Crayola, Walgreens, teens from St. Joseph Church, Coopersburg, and Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown partnered with the Salvation Army to make sure the kids were well equipped for the first day of school.