A local community came together after hundreds of backpacks meant for students in need were stolen in New Rochelle.

Volunteers at Hope Community Services handed out 2,000 backpacks Saturday to children in need after 250 of the backpacks were stolen.

Thanks to several generous and last minute donations, there were enough free school supplies for all who came to the event.

Many parents say they still cannot believe someone could do such a thing.

"You got to be a real low life to steal backpacks for the students, the kids need these things and for someone to steal them that's just horrible," says parent Daniel Peterson.

As News 12 reported, thieves made off with the backpacks full of supplies worth $10,000 early last week.