This year’s Fill the Canoe supplies drive collected over 1,100 backpacks and 2,838 pounds of school supplies for students heading back to school.

Red Canoe Credit Union started the community drive in 2009 by matching $1 per pound of school supplies donated. They also matched dollar-for-dollar donations.

In its 14th year, this year the goal was to collect new backpacks for Federal Way Public Schools students based on community needs.

The Red Canoe Credit Union partnered with nonprofit We Love Our City with the goal of collecting 1000 backpacks.

Over 25 local churches, businesses, nonprofits and community members gathered donations beginning last month. Donations will be provided to the Federal Way school district, Communities in Schools, local Boys and Girls Clubs, the Federal Way Veterans Center and other back-to-school events.

Nonprofit founder Shelley Pauls said the participants are always thrilled and amazed at the generosity of the Federal Way community.

“We are grateful for all our donors and we are excited to help our students kick off the new school year,” she said.