A Westchester nonprofit kicked off its annual back to school event on Thursday.

The Sharing Shelf, located in Port Chester, set up is clothing bank for the 14th annual "Backpacks To School" initiative.

Dozens of volunteers gave over 1,800 backpacks that will be filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for Westchester students in need.

"If a child does not have the supplies they need as they head back to school, they are less likely to attend school, they more likely to not do as well. So what we are trying to do is support them in all angles," said Deborah Blatt, founder and executive director of The Sharing Shelf.

Over 40 volunteers will be back this weekend at the clothing bank to fill those backpacks. They will be distributed by schools and social service agencies to students in need.