The Monroe County Backpack for Kids Coalition is featured on page 1A of today’s print and e-editions of The Monroe Evening News. The coalition holds a donation drive for school supplies every year to help outfit needy children with backpacks, paper, pencils and other school supplies.

The story also is at www.monroenews.com. A snippet:

“We’d like people to donate some items to help stock these back packs and we have put a number of donation receptacles throughout Monroe County,” said Mike Smith, AFL-CIO community services liaison to the United Way of Monroe County and a member of the backpack committee.

“It’s not a great expense for individuals but there is a potential to collect a large amount of supplies if a lot of people do a little bit each.”

If you would like to contribute to the donation drive, now is the time to be shopping. School supplies are currently at bargain prices at area retail stores as compared to the usual pricing.

If you would like to register to receive a backpack, the deadline is Wednesday July 30. Forms are available at the Salvation Army, Department of Human Services, Monroe County Opportunity Program, Arthur Lesow Community Center, area food banks and school offices. For information, call Polly Fredericks 243-7222 or Kyle Hudson 241-0440.