ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- Starting at 1 PM on July 30th, Verizon TCC and Wireless Zone stores across New York State are inviting local kids and families to stop in and grab a free backpack. School supply costs can add up quickly, and the goal of this event is to ease that burden a little bit. 

“We give away backpacks, we're going to have drinks and snacks, and just a nice event to celebrate the kids, the end of summer and get them excited to go back to school,” said Melinda Reasor, community lead for the backpack giveaway at the Elmira store. 

 120,000 backpacks are being donated by Verizon TCC and Wireless Zone across the country. Each backpack will be filled with supplies like pencils, paper, folders, and rulers. There's a backpack for everyone, a variety of colors and styles will be available to choose from. 

The Elmira, Painted Post, Sayre, Towanda and Owego stores all have over one hundred backpacks to give away. Backpacks are first come first served, and kids must be present to receive backpack. School supplies and backpacks will be available while supplies last -- and any leftover backpacks will be donated to local schools. 

Anyone with school aged kids is invited to attend this weekend, and you don't need to be a Verizon customer. 

For address and more information on a location near you, click here.