Sponsors of the Riverbank Farmers Market are calling on participants in tonight’s event, July 15, to help provide backpacks for needy students. They’re scheduled to be given away at the July 22 edition of the market and attendees are asked to bring them in now so they can be organized for the upcoming giveaway.

If not bringing them to tonight’s market, those wishing to donate can bring them to the Recreation and Park Department offices, at City Hall on Third Street, during regular office hours.

The Farmers Market is put on by volunteers from the Riverbank Chamber of Commerce each Wednesday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Community Center Park on Santa Fe Street, adjacent to the city’s Community Center.

Chamber officials said last year’s collection saw 158 backpacks handed out to needy local youngsters, just in time for getting back to school. They are hoping for at least that many this year.

Last week, the effects of the cooler than normal weather seemed to impact attendance at the event but this week the forecast is for near normal summertime temperatures, peaking in the mid-90s with a light breeze.