Every kid needs to go to school with a backpack. The backpack should be filled with supplies like pencils, paper, folders and other classroom items.
But when you add up all of the necessities, it gets expensive, so some local organizations are helping families in need put their paychecks elsewhere.
Saturday kicked off the 7th annual "Back to School Rally" at Blackhawk Park. Backpacks filled with school supplies were given away to kids going to elementary, middle, and high schools in Rockford.
Parents say skipping store aisles filled with school supplies will allow them to spend their money somewhere else.
"This will allow me to get my kids more clothes and shoes and I'll be able to pay more for activities," says parent Samantha Schoon.
Seven hundred backpacks were given away. Coordinators say giving away the backpacks will hopefully keep kids off of the streets and drive them into the classroom.
Next Saturday there will be a back to school rally in Rockford to continue getting kids excited about going back to school.