The shops in Farmington Valley

CANTON, CT — A well-known Farmington Valley shopping center in Canton is hosting a backpack and food drive to celebrate the return to school while also helping the community.

The collection began on August 12th and will last until Thursday, August 29th.

The program, called “Backpack Drive to Support Gifts of Love,” will kick off the fall season with activities at the Shops at Farmington Valley and celebrate the return to school.

“Help combat food insecurity in the community by donating non-perishable food items to support Gifts of Love’s Weekend Backpack program,” wrote the Shops at Farmington Valley, located at 110 Albany Turnpike in Canton.

In partnership with local charity Gifts of Love, The Shops at Farmington Valley is organizing the backpack and food drive.

Visitors can then drop off canned goods, nonperishable foods and backpacks in designated drop boxes at J. Jill, Massage Envy, Jefferson Fry Co. and other participating stores.

The food donations will be used to fill backpacks that will be distributed to local families in need, ensuring that students are equipped with the weekend essentials to be successful this school year.

In addition to the fundraiser, many stores are offering exclusive back-to-school promotions.