Pictured in front from left are Virgle Prater, Zamien Mayes, Caidence Strause, Jessica Stafford, Emma Slone, Grecely Slone, Elijah Villa, and Sebastian Kelly. In back are Hope Weaver, Kade Bowman, Gwendalyn Bowman, Adalyn Bowman, Ashlee Stephens, Daylon Stephens, Brittany Woodcock, Bethany Moore, Linda Moore, Tauri Hoover and Rafe Hoover. (Photo provided)

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — As the 2016-2017 school year begins, the Kosciusko Board of Realtors once again provided local children with back-to-school backpacks loaded with all their needed school supplies.

For the third year, KBOR reached out to Tammy Smith, director of self-sufficiency programs, Combined Community Services, to partner on providing loaded back-to-school backpacks for 40 Kosciusko County students. KBOR realtors hope that assuring these children have all of their required school supplies for the start of the school year, helps support these families both emotionally and financially.

The back-to-school backpacks were presented to Tammy Smith and the children Tuesday Aug. 9, at the Combined Community Services facility.