VICTORVILLE • A group of local organizations handed out 600 backpacks to K-12 students on Thursday in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

The group, which included Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley and High Desert Transitional Living, gave backpacks containing school supplies to students at the First Christian Church in Victorville, VVRM employee Veronica Trujillo said.

“It was a partnership … to our community,” Trujillo said. “It’s a way of preparing our future generations.”

The backpacks for the giveaway were donated by local ministries, organizations and individual donors, Trujillo said. The event also featured several county organizations that provided information about various county services, Trujillo said.

“It’s been amazing,” Trujillo said. “The parents are very grateful because … it’s a way to help prepare the students.”