It’s hard to believe, but another school year is just over a month away.

This can be a difficult and stressful time for many families who don’t have the money to purchase needed school supplies, so an annual community effort is there to help.

The Seventh Annual Ashe County School Supply Drive is now underway to help children in the county. New school supplies can be donated now through Monday, Aug. 6 and they will be donated to Ashe County public schools. These supplies will be taken to each school and guidance counselors will distribute supplies as needed.

Drop off locations include all LifeStore branches, Fifth Third Bank, First Citizens Bank, Ashe Services for Aging, Ingles Market, Ashe County Library, and Dollar General Stores.

Gift cards will also be appreciated. For example, a $15 gift card can be used to purchase a book bag filled with paper, pencils, glue, scissors and crayons.

If your business, church, agency or civic organization would like to participate, please contact Glenda Luther, Ashe County Volunteer Coordinator, at 336-246-4347. And remember, tax-free weekend for school supplies will be Aug. 3-5.

Thank you for helping youth succeed in school. The school supply drive is sponsored by the Ashe County Volunteer Initiative Program.