Huntington Bank and United Way are giving away nearly 1,000 backpacks throughout Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Mercer counties. 

The Stuff the Bus campaign is an annual event that is will take place at Huntington Bank on Federal Plaza West in Youngstown at 11:30 am on Friday, August 16. 

“We proudly continue our initiative with the United Way to ensure, in the face of ever-rising costs, local families have the supplies for their children to successfully begin the new school year," said Huntington Bank Regional President of the Canton and Mahoning Valley Regions, William C. Shivers.

21 WFMJ is the media partner of the annual backpack giveaway along with Cocca's Pizza, and Great Clips. 

As part of the giveaway, Cocca's Pizza and Great Clips are collecting donations that will help purchase school supplies for the backpacks. 

Anyone interested in helping can donate $5 at any Cocca's Pizza or Great Clips locations. That $5 donation will allow you to sponsor a child and get your name on a bus card that will be displayed. Those who donate will also receive a free Cocca's Pepperoni roll and a $3 coupon for a hair cut at Great Clips.