Before New Braunfels Independent School District students return to classes on Monday, Maria's Closet helped students and families get ready for the new school year.

The Maria's Closet Back to School Open House event was held on Thursday, Aug. 13.

During the event, the closet was open to district families, who were able to collect free backpacks filled with school supplies, pick out clothes from the closet, meet with community and nonprofit partners and participate in activities such as face painting and playing in a bounce house.