Pacoima students start school year with free backpacks, shoes

PACOIMA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Hundreds of students from a Pacoima school got to start the school year off right, with free backpacks, school supplies and other goodies donated by local businesses and a nonprofit.

The students at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center entered school on a red carpet cheered on by staff members. They were given backpacks, school supplies, books and new shoes. They also got to have free dental checkups and eye exams.

The items were donated by local businesses and arranged by the nonprofit MEND - Meeting Each Need with Dignity.

For more on the event, see the video above.