ARLINGTON — While school may have just let out for the summer, a Northwest grocery store and pharmacy chain is selling backpacks to benefit local school districts.

On Saturday, July 10, Haggen Food & Pharmacy began selling specially designed backpacks at its Arlington (20115 74th Avenue NE) and Marysville (3711 88th Street NE) locations.

Those backpacks, which are filled with school supplies such as paper, pencils and crayons, can be purchased and donated back for $9.99.

The packs will be distributed to children in need by local schools and organizations.

“Since school is so important for our children, we’re joining our customers in helping them gain the basic necessities before their first day,” said Becky Skaggs, spokesperson for Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores.

The backpacks have a retail value of $23 and will be available while supplies last.