MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — As back-to-school season approaches, Northwestern Mutual took time on Thursday to donate backpacks stuffed with different items to school-aged children of CASA For Kids.

Northwestern Mutual has donated customized backpacks and back-to-school items for several years now, but according to employees of the firm, that never reduces the significance of the occasion.

Alongside school essentials, backpacks contained items like blankets, shoes, watches and water bottles.

In addition to the physical items, Northwestern Mutual also made a monetary donation to the organization worth $17,000, beating its goal of $15,000.

12 News spoke with Ryan Payne, a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual and a CASA volunteer, on why he chose to get involved with the organization.

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