A local volunteer group is kicking off an annual program to help families facing financial pressures prepare for the upcoming school year.

FREEHelpCK is looking for sponsors for the annual Operation Backpack program, which provides essential school supplies to students, to help them succeed in the classroom.

Last year’s campaign supplied nearly 700 backpacks filled with supplies to children in Chatham-Kent.

Sponsors Staples Canada, Dollar Tree, Enbridge and Riverview Gaming Centre have already stepped up to support the program.

Those interested in sponsoring Operation Backpack can contact FREEHelpCK at freehelpck@gmail.com or by calling 519-990-5178.

Registrations for families are expected to open in early August.