Although the last school year ended just a couple weeks ago, Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. is already preparing to help children get backpacks and supplies for the next one.

The organization is now accepting registrations from families with children that will need backpacks filled with needed supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.

Registrations will be accepted through July 15 at the Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. office at 113 S. 10th St.

”Every child deserves to start the school year out on the same foot,” Alisa Schlief, the group’s family and community services director, said in a written statement. ”They need to be able to walk into school with all of the supplies that they need to help make their school year a success.”

The backpacks will be distributed during the 16th annual Back to School Bash to be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Crossroads Mall.

Already, 45 businesses and organizations have signed up to be part of the event.

The backpack program is made possible by donations from residents, businesses and charitable organizations.

Last year, almost 800 students were assisted by the program.