Seeing area children coming to the Butler YMCA every day during the summer made membership director Heidi Nicholls Bowser realize that some children’s needs stretch beyond summer break.

“When you’re seeing these kids and they’re spending the day with us, it really made us think there were school-aged kids in our community who are in need,” Nicholls Bowser said.

She put that realization into motion, and in the parking lot of the YMCA from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, the YMCA is distributing free, new school supplies — from notebooks to backpacks — to area children.

The YMCA is at 339 N. Washington St.

The two-hour event will feature snacks, hot dogs, games and face-painting all while staff hands out donated supplies. While most supplies will be given away, backpacks will be raffled, so children can come in and grab the one they want. Regardless, YMCA officials will make sure nobody is empty-handed.

“Every kid will be able to walk away with something,” Nicholls Bowser said.

Nicholls Bowser said she hopes this becomes an annual event, and it has given them ideas for possible future events, such as one that would give teachers donated supplies such as tissues and dry-erase markers. It stemmed from celebrating member appreciation week, she said, and supplies were donated by both YMCA members and those in the community.

“People want to give, and it works out really well here,” Nicholls Bowser said.

Similar programs are being undertaken at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA in Cranberry Township, where collections are being held through September.