CVS looks to donate more than 2,500 backpacks to needy schoolchildren

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy hopes to provide school supplies for 2,600 children in need in the Washington area, with the help of the local NBC affiliate.

The drug store chain announced Tuesday that it would sell backpacks filled with more than a dozen school supplies at its stores for $12.99 for customers to donate to the Backpacks 4 Kids program. The supplies are valued at more than $25.

The backpacks and school supplies collected through the program are given to pre-selected schools and non-profit organizations to distribute to children in need. Customers at CVS/pharmacy can also purchase school supplies for donation.

The backpacks are available at CVS/pharmacy stores in Washington and surrounding cities in Virginia and Maryland. Last year, the program donated 2,300 backpacks.