Families with students are invited to TCC’s annual backpack giveaway this Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at their Sandpoint location, 201 E. Superior St.

This is the ninth year TCC is giving away backpacks as part of a national program, said District Manager Jeremy Solum, and his fifth year doing it with the company.

“We always have a pretty good time,” he said. “This is always the highlight of the year.”

The event will also have firemen, face painters and activities for the students, he said.

“This is just my company’s way of showing the community we appreciate them having them there,” Solum said.

Backpacks will be filled with pencils, paper, a pencil box, folders, glue and other supplies, according to a press release. Normally, each local store would be giving away roughly 150 backpacks. However, due to construction at the Ponderay location, the Sandpoint TCC will have over 300 backpacks to distribute on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Normally there are a few extra backpacks left over, Solum said.

“We’re [trying to get] rid of all of them,” he said. “It keeps getting bigger each year.”

Roughly 750 TCC stores nationwide will be participating in the backpack giveaway, according to a press release from the company, and will donate approximately 140,000 backpacks with school supplies to children.

“The start of the school year is an exciting time, and we are thrilled to support the education of the youth in our communities through our School Rocks Backpack Giveaway,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room, parent company of TCC.