1,000 new backpacks given to kids at 3rd annual Back to School Bash

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of Milwaukee families are getting a head start on their back-to-school preparations. 

"Just seeing the joy on the faces of the children and the pride of the parents. That's what today is all about," said one attendee. 

Wellpoint Care Network held their annual Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 8. 

Thanks to donors, they were able to give away one thousand brand new backpacks. 

Kids also got free haircuts, so they look their best on their first day of school. 130 volunteers were on hand to help families have fun before classes start. 

"Back to school is an exciting time for kids and families, it can also be stressful to get together all of the resources and supplies kids need to have their very best start to their school year, so we want to support them," said Ann Leinfelder Grove, president and CEO of Wellpoint Care Network. 

Families could also pick up lead detection kits to test their water at home, thanks to a grant from United Way. 

While parents browsed resources, kids had fun in bouncy houses, riding on horses, and getting their face painted.