ST. LOUIS – As part of Verizon’s 12th annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” event, Verizon stores in the St. Louis area will be giving away free backpacks this month.

The giveaway will commence on Sunday, July 28, at 1 p.m. at 13 local stores. Verizon says the giveaway’s mission is to help ease the financial burden of the back-to-school season.

The giveaway is in partnership with Verizon retailer, Round Room, and is part of a greater nation-wide giveaway that will provide $3 million worth of backpacks to 120,000 students across the U.S.

Verizon says select stores will even provide clear backpacks to meet various school district requirements in response to gun violence in the St. Louis area.

Store Giveaway Locations:

1480 N Worthey St, Flora, Illinois

1190 Franklin St, Carlyle, Illinois (will have clear backpacks.)

941 Cherokee Dr., Ste. 3, Marshall, Missouri    

1127 W Gannon Dr, Festus, Missouri

1276 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, Missouri (will have clear backpacks.)

143 N Lincoln Dr, Troy, Missouri      

405 N State St Ste B, Desloge, Missouri          

555 W Karsch Blvd., Farmington, Missouri

160 Gravois Bluffs Cir Ste A, Fenton, Missouri (will have clear backpacks.)

4008 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, Missouri (will have clear backpacks.)

4428 Telegraph Rd., Ste C, St. Louis, Missouri

828 E High St Ste 12, Potosi, Missouri

2202 1/2 N Baltimore St , Kirksville, Missouri