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Operation Backpack is a city-wide effort to give backpacks and supplies to thousands of kids in city shelters.

"We realized that these children were not equipped like the other children, like housed children, children who live in homes, or have intact families," explained Operation Backpack chairwoman Rachel Weinstein.

Organizers say dozens of corporations have come forward to use their resources to help the campaign grow.

"Even from just 20 some odd companies helping out each year we've grown now to 93 companies in New York City doing this," said campaign spokesperson and "Trading Spaces" host Paige Davis. "And they're energized about it and happy about it and they literally hold competitions in their companies for who can have the best drive and raise the most school supplies and backpacks."

Among the participating companies is NY1's parent company Time Warner Cable, which promoted the effort and donated $5,000. Company employees collected nearly 500 backpacks.

"They recognize how important this is, to make sure that all children, regardless of where they live or where they come from, go back to school on the first day well prepared," said Karen LaCava of Time Warner Cable.

The program has been around for five years and is run by Volunteers of America.

Organizers say they hope to distribute 8,000 bags.

For more information, go to OperationBackpackNYC.