News 12, Optimum and Discovery, Inc. partnered with local nonprofit organizations to distribute backpacks to kids and help provide tools needed for a successful year. 

The event was held Friday at the Southwest Community Health Center in Bridgeport from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A total of 500 backpacks were given to attendees, along with information about the community center and the services they offer.

Children were also able to choose a book from one of the community’s partners called Read to Grow.