Nearly 30 children and their parents got the chance to "Shop with the Sheriff” on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The annual shopping spree pairs deputies and volunteers from the Fairfax County sheriff's office with local homeless children who need a little help with back-to-school supplies.

For the past 19 years, the sheriff’s office has partnered with Target in Burke to help homeless school-age children and their families shop for school supplies and clothes. These children reside at either the Patrick Henry Family Shelter or the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter.

Fairfax County supervisors, sheriff’s deputies and volunteers met the children at the Fairfax County Courthouse cafeteria for a hearty breakfast, donated by Panera Bakery and other community partners. Each child will receive a $325 gift certificate to use toward their purchases.

Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) also helped distribute school supplies at the Backpack Drive, an event put on by the Fairfax County Fire Department and local volunteers, who distribute approximately 2,500 backpacks to needy children.

“Children should not have to worry about affording school supplies. We want to make sure that every child in Fairfax County has the opportunity of a great education,” Bulova said.

Volunteers included military personnel and employees of large and small companies, including CEOs. The classroom-ready backpacks were distributed to teachers from respective schools on Thursday, Aug. 30, at Fire Station 11.