A pair of New Jersey college students are doing their part to help the Garden State’s homeless population.

Anna Paniscotti and Lukas DeCandido say that they were inspired to help those less fortunate after they met a homeless man named Jay in Baltimore.

"It sparked a huge flame within me and Anna.  We both had this burning fire in our souls to help others, and we thought this is the way to do it,” DeCandido says.

The two students collected donations for weeks, including personal hygiene items, first aid, hand warmers, gloves and socks. They placed the items into backpacks to hand out – 24 in all - which they handed out to the homeless in Newark.

The students say that they received nothing but gratitude.

“We were getting hugs, fist bumps, everything,” Paniscotti says.

The pair says that they are already planning their next backpack handout in Newark this April.

Anyone who wishes to donate can check out the “Got Your Back” Facebook page or GoFundMe page.