When The Backpack Lady Project dropped off 20 donations at San Jose Elementary last year, school officials were certain it was "heaven-sent."

Janine Munns, the school's family and community liaison, told The Backpack Lady Project founder Rob Ditro that, at a time when the number of students on free or reduced lunch are rising, the school is left finding ways to get the kids what they need. She said the school gives away at least 50 packs a year to kids whose backpacks break, go missing or get worn out. 

This year, Ditro continues his backpack donation mission, which began as a way to honor the memory of his late mother, who had anonymously donated backpacks to Our Lady of Lourdes School for years. 

Bring a new backpack donation to the Dunedin Public Library's Youth Services Department beginning today as part of a monthlong Back-to-School Backpack drive. The Backpack Lady Project will distribute all donations to Dunedin and surrounding area schools. 

“The impact that those backpacks will have on children’s lives is something that you just can’t measure,” Principal Monika Wolcott said last year.

The first day of school for Pinellas County is Aug. 20.

Want to Help?

• What: Donate a new children's backpack 
• Where: Dunedin Public Library Youth Services Department
• When: Through Sept. 1

Related Coverage:

• Donations Keep Backpack Lady's Legacy Alive
• Backpack Lady's Generosity Inspires Patch
• Backpacks Deliver Hope to School Healing from Tragedy