JanSport, the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel, today announced its participation in the NBC Today Show’s “Lend a Hand” series. This week JanSport accompanies Al Roker and The Today Show at three of their goodwill stops, including A Chance for Children Foundation in Los Angeles, the Portland Parks Foundation in Portland, and today, at the Arkansas Rice Depot in Little Rock.

"Since 1967, JanSport has been making backpacks that are carried up mountains, on campuses and within urban communities,” said Skip Yowell, JanSport co-founder. “JanSport is thrilled to be able to ‘Lend a Hand’ with The Today Show this week during this challenging economic time for communities across the U.S.”

Today JanSport Co-Founder, Skip Yowell, met Roker in Little Rock to “Lend a Hand” at the Arkansas Rice Depot, donating over 10,000 backpacks filled with food, school supplies and clothing to help the citizens of Arkansas through a variety of programs, including Food For Kids, Food For Seniors and Disaster Relief.

For more information about the NBC Today Show’s “Lend a Hand” program and to watch the clips from this week’s segments please visit http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31447842/.

About JanSport®

Founded in 1967, JanSport is the original outdoor gear Brand that equips people globally with quality backpacks, travel gear and collegiate apparel. Headquartered in San Leandro, California, JanSport stands for fun and discovery. The company’s products are sold in retail stores throughout the world. For more information, visit www.jansport.com.

About VF

VF Corporation is a global leader in lifestyle apparel with a diverse portfolio of jeanswear, outdoor, action sports, imagewear, sportswear and contemporary apparel brands. Its principal brands include Wrangler®, Lee®, Riders®, The North Face®, Vans®, Reef®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, JanSport®, Napapijri®, Nautica®, Kipling®, John Varvatos®, 7 For All Mankind®, lucy®, Ella Moss®, Splendid®, Majestic® and Red Kap®.