As we near the end of Summer, students nationwide are heading back to school and preparing for the new year ahead. While this is an exciting time for many, it can bring feelings of anxiety, unpreparedness and uncertainty for foster children.

No child should have to go to school without the supplies they need to feel and be their best. Mattress Firm is passionate about providing foster children with the tools they need to succeed – whether it’s brand new shoes, pajamas or school supplies.

That’s why we partnered with the Ticket to Dream Foundation and EcoMedia earlier this month to host “Pack2School” backpack build events in Detroit, Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Mattress Firm volunteers in each city took a few hours out of their workday to help assemble backpacks filled with brand new supplies for the school year. After each event, the backpacks were delivered to our local nonprofit partners, where they were distributed to foster children in each city.

Across all three events, we filled 1,500 backpacks with items such as notebooks, folders, pens and binders. Check out some of our favorite highlights from the events below.

Planning some back to school shopping of your own this weekend? It’s not too late to help! Head to your local Mattress Firm to drop off school supply donations now until Sept. 2.