Hundreds of Hilldale and Muskogee youngsters can return to school this month with new backpacks full of school supplies without spending one cent.

Economy Pharmacy is distributing 1,000 free backpacks for lower elementary school children Monday at its two locations, 3414 W. Okmulgee Ave., and 412 N. York St. The backpacks will feature basic school supplies and personal items. Parents also can sign up for free children’s vitamins for their preschoolers.

Pharmacy owner John Watson said it is his way of saying “thank you to a very supportive community.”

“I lived here almost 40 years, and this is my way of giving back to the community,” Watson said. “You see these warm, fuzzy ads and the money goes to Wall Street. I want to support Muskogee.”

Watson said he does not sell school supplies or backpacks at his stores.

“This is simply to help the kids,” he said.

Carrie Hartley, who does marketing for the stores, said the store is targeting children in lower elementary grades, mainly kindergarten.

She said she got school supply lists from Muskogee elementary schools and from Hilldale Lower Elementary School.

Supplies in the backpacks include Crayolas, pencils, a spiral notebook, a binder, glue, a personal first aid kit and sugar-free gum.

Watson said the children’s vitamins can be refilled for free each month for as long as the supplies last. He said he ordered 5,000 bottles of children’s vitamins.

“Just bring the bottle by the store and get 30 more,” he said. “We’re trying to create good health and wellness in the children. We know if they are healthy, they won’t be as susceptible to disease.”