Check these out: Lansing back to school drives and programs for kids

As schools gets back in session across the country in the coming weeks, millions of parents will flood stores in search of the often expensive school supplies that their children schooling demands.

Backpacks, pencils, notebooks, binders, pencil boxes, all cling to shelves waiting to be used by a young student.

But sometimes, many of the things people purchase go unused or many families cant afford to get everything students need for the academic year.

So, next time you think about throwing out that package of pencils that was never used or are struggling to make ends meet - but your child doesn't have a backpack – check out these local charities and back to school drives in the area:

Connect 4 Kids Lansing Event

What it is: The Pat Babcock Connect 4 Kids event is an event that serves K-12th grade students in the Ingham County area with free immunizations, physical and optical tests, haircuts, personal needs items, clothing vouchers and more. It is free to enter but guardians and children must have a state issued ID, drivers license, school ID, insurance card or other form of identification.

When: Monday, Aug. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Where: The Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing

Contact info: City of Lansing HR and Community Services - (517) 483-4569.

Adopt-A-Child for Back to School

What it is: Adobt-A-Child for Back to School is a program that helps kids who recently left Haven House in Lansing within the past year or are currently living in the shelter. the program began 15 years ago and lets you pick one or more kids to donate school supplies by shopping for the family or kids you are paired with.

How to donate: If you or a group you are a part of would like to join in participating, email Chequoya Spearman, the Haven House special projects coordinator or call her at (517) 337-2731.

Operation Backpack: St. Vincent Catholic Church

What it is: St. Vincent Catholic Charities' 'Operation Backpack' is a charity event that donates backpacks and other materials to kids from all over Lansing. Since 2004, the program has helped children in-need by donating to them a backpack full of supplies.

How to donate: You can go to St. Vincent in Lansing or email donate@stvcc.org, for more information or questions call (517) 323-4734.

Brand New Bag: 94.1 The Duke FM

What it is: The Duke FM, a local country FM-Radio station is partnering with Tripp's Automotive and Sportsman's Warehouse to collect backpacks for kids in need. You can drop off backpacks through the end of august at Tripp's and Sportsman's Warehouse.

Locations: Sportsman's Warehouse is located at 8757 Delta Market Dr., Lansing Charter Twp., and Tripp's is located at 2999 W Michigan Ave., in Jackson.

Contact info: You can call The Duke FM's business line at (517) 699-0111 or text the station at 80373.

Did we miss anything?

Did we miss any back to school supply drives or report a date incorrectly? Email us at events@lsj.com to help us keep this list updated and accurate.