Leading up to the first day of school for Cy-Fair ISD students Aug. 26, local nonprofit Cy-Fair Helping Hands is collecting backpacks and schools supplies to distribute to families in need. The backpack drive kicks off Aug. 1 and runs through Aug. 17. Backpacks will begin being distributed Aug. 12, said Patricia Hudson, Cy-Fair Helping Hands executive director of community outreach. Hudson said the group provided 450 backpacks filled with school supplies last year for students in elementary, middle and high school. The all-volunteer organization works primarily with homeless individuals and their families in Cy-Fair, Hudson said. A limited number of backpacks are also distributed to college-bound students, she said. "We really try to support our clients and their children, especially if they are trying to better themselves," she said. Hudson said all school supplies are needed, but she emphasized the need for clear backpacks in particular. A list of items can be found on the group's Facebook page. "Most people like to get backpacks for the little guys, the elementary kids," Hudson said. "But we have many older students who need help as well." Individuals looking to help can learn more by visiting the Cy-Fair Helping Hands community outreach page or by contacting Hudson at [email protected]. Donations can be dropped off at the Cy-Fair Helping Hands headquarters at 7520 Cherry Park Drive, Ste. B, Houston. The office is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and the first and third Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.