Hundreds of backpacks have been stolen from a New Rochelle organization just days before they were set to be handed out to children in need.

Volunteers at Hope Community Services were collecting school supplies all summer, leading up to a big distribution event this weekend for low-income families.

But early Tuesday morning, about 300 backpacks filled with supplies -- worth about $10,000 in total -- were missing.

The group is now appealing to the community for volunteers and donations to recoup the supplies.