The Carmichael Midas store sponsors a backpack and school supplies giveaway on Aug. 2, starting at 9 a.m. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s Midas Auto Repair next month will continue a four-year tradition that helps families stay on budget as children return to school.

The Fair Oaks Boulevard store will donate almost 200 new backpacks to students from kindergarten to 12th-grade. The giveaway includes pens, pencils, erasers, writing blocks and earbuds.

To sweeten the deal, Midas owner Kurt Swanson offers free snow cones to all who pick up backpacks.  

“We usually run out before noon,” said Swanson. “But the offer’s good while supplies last. It’s great to meet kids and help families.”

A father of one, Swanson sympathizes with breadwinners who struggle to fund children’s needs when schools reopen.

“It seems everything gets more expensive every year,” said Swanson. “Last year, kids and parents were lined up an hour before the giveaway was supposed to start. My wife and our staff feel great being able to give back to the community in this way”

Any family can participate in the giveaway but the organizers won’t provide supplies to adults without children.

As the dealership has limited customer parking, Swanson requests visitors to come on foot, if convenient, or to leave cars on Landis Avenue.

Carmichael Midas is at 6840 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael.