An annual back-to-school event in Rockland County drew hundreds on Tuesday.

News 12 was at East Ramapo school district's back-to-school fair, which came a day before the new year started for students there on Wednesday. It has been happening for about the last decade.

News 12 was told that the last two years it has been held at the district's family welcome center.

Organizers say that 800 backpacks loaded with school essentials were given out last year, while 1,000 were already handed out when volunteers put more gear together.

"The crowd this year, is probably about double from last year." Jackie Iaria, with the family welcome center

"The number of people that have shown up today, you can definitely tell that there definitely is a need in our community and were here to help and service our families." Kristen Ford-Stevens, who is also with the family welcome center.

More than a dozen different community partners were there to teach families about what they do, too.