Back to school season can be expensive for families, and Teen Central wants to help. The nonprofit will provide free backpacks, school supplies and hygiene products for students of all ages to check off their shopping lists. The giveaway will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 3 and 4, at Teen Central, 15 S. Wolf St., Manheim.

"It is our goal to expose our neighbors to our building and ministry here in Manheim and let parents and students know that Teen Central is a resource available to them within our community," said Janelle Heying, executive director. "While we may not be able to cover every supply need that is out there, our goal is to be able to give families a head start to their school shopping needs."

The organization expects to provide supplies for about 200 students across all grade levels when the giveaway is held assembly line style in Teen Central's main gathering room.

"We will invite students and parents to bring their own backpack or bag - or take one of our free backpacks available - and come to our building ... to pack their bags with the free items being provided," Heying said. "There will be a limit to the number of supplies students can take to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to choose from the variety of items being provided."

Teen Central staff members, board members and volunteers will be there to help oversee the process and interact with the community during the giveaway.

"Along with the school supplies and hygiene items, we will also have bookmarks with our Teen Central information and start date for the school year," Heying said. "Extra goodies like candy, snow cones and additional information about Teen Central will also be available for the community to take as they take advantage of this free resource/event."

This is the third year for the school supply giveaway. Teen Central staff members started the event to lessen the burden back-to-school shopping can place on families.

"After doing a little research, we discovered that back-to-school shopping is suggested to be the second-largest spend for families annually behind the holidays. Many families spend over $50 per child on school supplies alone, and that doesn't include other back-to-school items like clothing, shoes, basic hygiene supplies or required uniforms or technology for some grade levels," Heying said. "To think of the financial burden this may place on some families during a time of year when excitement should be in the air is concerning, and here at Teen Central we would like to help."

Students will be able to pick up pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, folders, scissors and more, along with personal care items such as shampoo, body wash, hand sanitizer and tissues. Last year, Teen Central added free backpacks to its giveaway and distributed more than 125 to the community.

"One of my favorite things about Manheim is the way that our town rallies around and supports needs in our community," Heying said. "I would like to say a special 'thank you' to the many individuals, organizations and church groups who rally behind this event and help provide funding, manpower and support to our ministry and particularly this event."

Teen Central is a Christian nonprofit youth center that serves middle school and high school students in the Manheim Central School District. Programming is offered for two hours a day Monday through Thursday.

"Our ministry provides a safe space in the community for youths to come and hang out, grow and find a place where they belong," Heying said.

For more information, visit https://teencentralmanheim.org or follow "Teen Central Manheim" on Facebook or Instagram.

No registration is necessary for the giveaway.