Midas auto shop owner Kurt Swanson (center) and volunteers stock up for an annual back-to-school giveaway.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - In less than three hours last weekend, Carmichael Midas repair shop volunteers gave away 250 school backpacks.

The annual effort was funded by store owner Kurt Swanson, who aims to help families balance back-to-school budgets. The businessman also donated hundreds of pens, pencils, writing blocks and earbuds. To sweeten the deal, free donuts and juice drinks were on hand for all comers.

Although the giveaway was scheduled to start at 9 a.m., dozens of families assembled before Swanson and volunteers arrived to unpack the swag.

“Everyone lined up politely,” noted Swanson. “The little children were excited to have brand-new backpacks. The older ones seemed more happy about the donuts. Parents were especially appreciative. School supplies are not cheap. We loved to hear moms reminding kids to say thank you. We were completely sold out by 11 a.m. No donuts were left, either.”

Swanson and volunteers plan to continue the benevolence next year. “Getting kids back to school is an expensive time for many families,” Swanson considered. “All the smiles made it worthwhile. We feel great to be able to help in this way.”

Carmichael Midas is located at 6840 Fair Oaks Blvd.