Donations needed for United Way backpack event

St. Joseph County United Way is seeking the public’s help for donations to fill back-to-school backpacks.

Backpacks will include school supplies and be distributed July 25th at Sturgis Walmart.

Donations will be accepted up through the day of distribution. Items can be dropped off in advance at the Centreville-based agency. Financial donations will go toward the purchase of backpacks and school-related merchandise, event organizers said.

Last year’s drive supplied 475 St. Joseph County schoolchildren with back-to-school supplies.