YOUNGSTOWN — Kids in four counties are getting help with school supplies as the new academic year is about to begin.

Huntington Bank is giving away nearly 1,000 backpacks throughout Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Mercer counties. The giveaway is part of Huntington’s annual backpack and “Stuff the Bus” program in partnership with the United Way, WFMJ, Cocca’s Pizza and Great Clips.

This is the 10th year for the program.

Friday’s “Stuff the Bus” happened at Huntington Bank, 23 Federal Plaza West.

“We know there are still so many unknowns with this school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but what we do know is children still need to learn and they will still need school supplies,” Bob Hannon, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley president, said. “Our partnership with Huntington Bank will allow us to continue to serve the students no matter where they are– whether its learning virtually or socially distanced in the classroom.”

As a part of Stuff the Bus, Cocca’s Pizza and Great Clips are collecting donations to purchase school supplies for the backpacks.

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