NSKS Backpack Distribution Today at Ledge Street School

Dru Greene is as excited about her actual backpack as she is about the contents.

"So cute," she said of her colorful pack, jammed with everything from notebooks and highlighters to hand sanitizer.

Her mom, who was there with three of her four kids, said the annual backpack give-away, organized by the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, allows her to focus on the other fine details -- like clothing.

"This makes it easier for me to concentrate now on just having to get a few more essentials, and clothes and shoes," she said.

The program is made possible through many corporate and individual sponsors who donate the backpacks and supplies. About 2,300 backpacks were available for kids in grades K-12. High School juniors and seniors were also given USB flash drives for document storage.

The backpacks are being distributed all day to students from Greater Nashua with proof of residency from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until all the packs are taken. Distribution HQ is Ledge Street School, 139 Ledge Street.

If you missed this giveaway, the city-sponsored Back to School night is also this week, Aug. 22 at the Nashua Public Library, at 5 p.m.