Although schoolhouse doors do not swing open for a few more weeks, military youth can be ready to go. Operation: Military Kids-Texas is holding its second backpack giveaway.

The venture provides school supplies to military children. Free backpacks filled with approximately 30 school supply items will be given to the first 600 military youth in first through fifth grades who register with the OMK program office.

Supplies will be given, regardless of the branch of service or component (National Guard, reserves or active duty).

In addition to the backpacks, a festival atmosphere is planned and will include family attractions, hands-on activity booths for the kids and various information booths featuring organizations and resources available to support military families.

Backpacks will be given away Aug. 17 beginning at 1 p.m. at an event location in Killeen, near Fort Hood. The location will be confirmed with the accepted recipients upon registration, and accepted recipients must bring a military ID card or a copy of the sponsor's ID, or military orders to the event.

Recipients must be present to receive a backpack.

In addition, various youth groups, businesses, churches and other organizations from across Central Texas will be on hand to share their programs, resources and other information in support of military families.

Community organizations interested in being considered as a non-commercial vendor for this event can contact Operation: Military Kids - Texas for consideration. All information, products, and/or services must be offered for free to event participants.

For more information send an e-mail to omktx@ag.tamu.edu for additional instructions to register for a backpack or to set up a vendor booth. All booth applications must be received by Monday.

Backpack recipient registrations will be accepted on a first-received basis.