Niles’ Cindy Herbstreith could breath a sigh of relief after seeing each of her three children outfitted with a new backpack and school supplies.

It is one less thing for her to think about as she gets her kids ready to go back to school.

“Getting their school supplies and clothes is very expensive and this program really does cut off a bit of the edge of the financial part,” said Herbstreith, estimating that she saved a minimum of $60.

Herbstreith was just one of many parents who took part in the Niles Salvation Army’s annual backpack and school supplies giveaway Tuesday in Niles.

Jan Nowak, the Salvation Army’s director of caring ministries, said 157 children grades 1-12 were served this year. Salvation Army still has bags available for pickup from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“It is super important to give kids that head start,” she said. “Everybody likes to get new stuff and we need to get kids excited about school and going back to school and how better to do that then with a satchel of new supplies and goods to get them started for the year.”

Herbstreith’s daughter, Madison White, said she was most excited about receiving a new blue and pink backpack.

“It is really cute,” White said, who will be a second grader at Howard Elementary next month.

White’s brothers, Andrew and Nicholas Wickizer, both said they were excited to get a new backpack and school supplies.

“I’m ready for the sixth grade,” Andrew said, who will attend Oak Manor.

Nicholas will be a seventh grader at Ring Lardner.

All of the items the Salvation Army handed out Tuesday came from donations from individuals, churches, Shopko in Dowagiac and Niles Walmart Vision Center.

Several volunteers, including Donna Mahler, helped check-in families and distribute the backpacks and supplies.

“I love seeing the smiles on the parents’ faces,” Mahler said, who has volunteered at the event for the past several years. “It is just nice to give back.”