ARLINGTON — Local churches and businesses are once again joining forces to provide backpacks filled with much-needed school supplies to Arlington’s children at this year’s “Back2School Rally,” which will kick off at 3 p.m. on Aug. 28 at Presidents Elementary.

Last year’s Rally served 500 children from the Arlington and Lakewood school districts. In addition to providing school supplies, area businesses donated haircuts, dental checkups and free food for the families that attended the event.

“When the kids you love need something, your focus suddenly becomes clear,” said event coordinator Brandie Broadhead, the children’s pastor at the Arlington Assembly of God Church.

With the needs of those children in mind, Broadhead enlisted the aid of more than two dozen area churches, businesses and organizations for the Back2School Rally, whose success depends on generous donations from both groups and individuals.

“Backpacks are our biggest expense,” Broadhead said. “We are in need of good quality bags that will last through the entire school year.”

If you would like to make a donation, please visit the Rally’s website at www.arlingtonbackpack.com to view the list of items needed and drop-off locations. You can also get involved by donating your time, since volunteers are needed to stuff backpacks and help out at the Rally. Additional information is available on the Rally’s website and its Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/back2schoolrally.

Parents of children in need of a backpack can likewise pre-register at www.arlingtonbackpack.com. Backpacks will only be distributed to families that have registered in advance and children must be present at the Rally to receive their supplies. All supplies will be personalized to each child’s school and grade requirements, as directed by the Arlington and Lakewood school districts.

For more information about the Rally, call Broadhead at 360-435-8981.