COVINGTON - For Dustin Brunner, picking out a yellow backpack for first grade was an easy choice.

        “It's my favorite color - and purple,” the 6-year-old from Latonia said. “They're both my favorite colors.”

        Dustin was one of more than 200 Northern Kentucky children who received a free backpack filled with school supplies Saturday at the second annual “Christmas in August.” The event was sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Harvest, a nonprofit organization that works with social service agencies, shelters and food pantries.

        Well before 9 a.m., families lined up at Goebel Park to get one of the clear backpacks with colored straps. The packs were sorted by grade level and included basic school supplies such as notebooks, rulers and pencils.

        Northern Kentucky Harvest spent more than $3,000 on the supplies, board member Paul Gottbrath said. Puzzles and a few other items were donated.

        To get the supplies, parents had to prove they lived in Kenton, Campbell or Boone counties 1/2ndash 3/4 where Harvest serves - and that the children were theirs by showing a Social Security or medical card.

        “There's a lot of people around here who need this, with the cost of school clothes and all,” said Dustin's mom, Michelle. “School supplies cost another $20 or so - if you're lucky and find it at a bargain store. It's helping us out tremendously.”

        By 11 a.m., nearly all of the 225 backpacks were gone. Kids displayed them proudly on their backs as they enjoyed a small petting zoo that was set up by Covington's recreation department.

        This is one of many large outreach events that Northern Kentucky Harvest sponsors throughout the year. The local chapter of a national organization was founded about three years ago, Mr. Gottbrath said.

        In addition to the school supply giveaway and raffles, nearly 150 local volunteers picked up food donated from restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses to be used by food pantries throughout the year.

        For many of Saturday's volunteers - including those from Frisch's Big Boy Restaurant, which provided a free breakfast - the looks on the students' faces were the best part of the event.

        “One of the children said, "This is the best day of my life.' He was so excited he got new school supplies and got to eat biscuits and gravy,” said Ray Radcliffe, an area supervisor for the restaurant chain.

        “That's really what this is all about.”

Burglars move to suburbs
Missing girl's picture found with porn ring suspect
Erpenbeck cash buyers sue
More schools adopt program for improving test scores
PULFER: Millions stolen; Why isn't case closed?
BRONSON: Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?'
Springsteen fans dismiss festival concerns
Hit-skip suspect followed, attacked
Kids, parents hang out with cops
Local Digest
Officer, suspect take head-first falls
Boys sought for apartment fire
Congrats
Good News: Students learn value of teamwork
Officer, suspect killed in shootout
Suspect eludes police
Warren County plans 3 veteran memorials
Seafood Festival winds up today
2 killed when car hits trees
Kids get free school supplies
Asbestos delays school
Historic mansion faces wrecking ball
Ky. Guardsmen in crash ID'd
Sex abuse allegations unsealed