The Paramount Hotel will donate backpacks to Treehouse, the Seattle-based nonprofit which gives youth in foster care a childhood and a future, as part of the hotel’s Bed, Breakfast and Backpack package now through September 30.

“Treehouse does so much for youth in foster care, and we want to help by partnering on one of our most popular packages,” said Shanna Lahti, director of sales and marketing at Paramount in Seattle.

The backpacks will be distributed through The Wearhouse, Treehouse’s free store for youth in foster care, where more than $1 million in merchandise is distributed annually. Statewide, there are almost 9,000 youth in foster care, and Treehouse works with 7,000, including many in King County.

Almost any organization such as a workplace, school, church or even a book club can host a back-to-school drive for Treehouse.

“You’ll receive everything you need to inspire co-workers, friends and family to collect new clothes, backpacks and monetary donations,” said Dana Petrarca, community engagement officer at Treehouse. “We’ll even give you a tour of The Wearhouse so you can see how your donations help youth in foster care.”

Backpacks for teens and younger children are in demand, as well as shoes and accessories. Monetary donations fund a variety of extracurricular activities and services from football and dance lessons to haircuts.

Any organization interested in hosting a back-to-school donation drive can contact Treehouse at 206-267-5109 or drives@treehouseforkids.org. Visit Treehouse’s host a drive or event page to learn more.