ELK COUNTY, Pa. -- A simple backpack can do much more than just carry books and supplies. According to the Elk County United Way, it can carry kids to their pull potential.

"It puts them on an even playing field," said Julia Reitz with St. Mary's Area United Way. "It's difficult to come into school on your first day and sitting next to you is another child who has everything they need and you don't."

The United Way works with Walmart and other local organizations to fill book bags with school supplies. The goal is to make sure every kid starts classes with the tools they need to succeed. In fact the program itself is called "Success By 6."

"They were just so excited to open them up and see all their new things," said Barbara Thorwart, a kindergarten teacher at Johnsonburg Elementary.

The charity handed out the new items to incoming kindergarten students at Johnsonburg Elementary and Bennets Valley Elementary in the St. Mary's School District. Officials at the schools said with the current economic environment, the students aren't the only ones benefiting.

"Back to school can be an expensive time for some families," said Christine Kuhar, the principal of Bennets Valley Elementary. "The Success By 6 foundation can be an incredible benefit to many of our families."

"When it comes to a loaf of bread or a pack of crayons, a loaf of bread wins out," said Reitz. "We realized there was a need in our communities for these children."

The pilot program started three years ago with 100 backpacks being given away. Now 350 students in schools across Elk County are lighting up from the new gifts. From the scissors to the glue-sticks, the kids can keep their supplies forever and take them home: a place were teachers said it's vital that learning continues.

"This gives the parents and families the opportunity to have fun supplies at home to do homework and to play school," said Thorwart. "It gets kids excited about learning. That excitement is what's going to spark that continued motivation to learn in the classroom."

So while they may look like just crayons or scissors, those who know better said the simple gesture of giving away backpacks, is actually giving students the tools they need for life-long success.