CINCINNATI — With the first day of school just around the corner or already passed for students in the Tri-State, districts and nonprofits are offering a helping hand to families in need. K-12 CPS students will start the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 19. WATCH: Different organizations help families prepare for the school yearSchools and nonprofits help to prepare families ahead of the school yearAcross the river in Covington, nonprofit Northern Kentucky Harvest held its annual Backpacks Bonanza outside St. Elizabeth Healthcare. The giveaways continued in Northside, led by Guiding Light Mentoring and United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Chandra Matthews-Smith, chief community engagement officer for United Way of Greater Cincinnati, said this year has been particularly difficult for some families.