Pay it forward: Back to school supply drives

There are several local and national organizations gathering supplies and uniforms to help make sure local children will get the school supplies and uniforms they need to succeed this school year.

Are we missing your school supply collection drive? Are you hosting a school supply giveaway? Email us your information at web@wbrc.com

Editor's note: If any of these organizations are giving away supplies to the general public rather than a sponsored group, we will note that in the listing.

Birmingham:

Hands on Birmingham: HOB is collecting grade-appropriate schools supplies through August 10 to give to area children living in shelters. Last year they reached over 600 school children and their goal is to help 1,000 kids this year.

You can drop off supplies at the HOB office located at 3600 8th Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35232 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. http://www.handsonbirmingham.org/backpacks

Girls Inc. of Central Alabama: This non-profit is working to provide new uniforms to Birmingham school kids. Donors can help by purchasing and delivering new navy pants and white collared shirts of any size between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to the Girls Inc. Crestwood Center, located at 5130 8th Ct. South, Birmingham, AL 35212.

You can also donate $25 to the organization to cover the cost of one uniform. You can mail checsk to Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, P.O. Box 130729, Birmingham, AL 35213 or donate online at http://girlsinccentral-al.org/

First Light shelter: This shelter provides emergency services to women and children. They are in need of clear back packs, school uniforms (particularly ages 6-10 but they have some older kids), basic school supplies and even gift cards that can be used to purchase supplies. All donations are tax exempt and they will take supplies through the first few weeks of school.

YWCA Central Alabama: This non-profit provides several services to women and children in need and they will accept school supplies for their childrens' programs throughout the year. Visit http://www.ywcabham.org/ for more information.

Statewide:

Dollar Tree: The discount store is a partner with Operation Homefront, a non-profit that, among other services, provides supplies for military families. When you shop at your local Dollar Tree through August 5, simply drop various supplies in a "Back-to-School Brigade" collection box. Operation Homefront will then distribute the items to local military families. http://www.dollartree.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=OperationHomefront

Staples for Students: Staples has teamed up with Do Something.org to gather and distribute school supplies to kids in need wherever there's a Staples location. They will take supplies through September 15. http://www.dosomething.org/staples/

Shelby County:

Shelby Emergency Assistance: The organization will accept supplies up until school begins at their office, located at 620 Valley Street, Montevallo. They are open during the week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  They are closed for lunch from 12-1 p.m. Visit their Facebook for a full list of the supplies needed: http://www.facebook.com/events/458474744177470/

Walker County:

Arc of Walker County: They are collecting supplies for their pre-K program and other kids that they serve. You can drop off supplies through the start of school at their office, located at 910 Oak Hill Road, Jaspter, Alabama.

Blount County: The Salvation Army of Blount County is collecting a variety of supplies through the first month of school at their location at 333 Valley Road in Oneonta.

They are especially in need of: 3 and 5 subject notebooks, loose leaf lined notebook paper, No. 2 pencils, construction paper, 24 pack crayons, colored pencils, 3 prong folders, washable markers, kid-safe scissors and glue sticks.

Any one who donates five or more items will receive 15 percent off in the thrift store. If you would like to receive supplies, you may call SA starting August 6 to inquire if you qualify for asssitance. Ask for Connie or Melissa at 205-625-4852.

First Baptist Church Hayden: The church is collecting supplies for Blount County Schools through Wednesday, August 15. You may also make monetary donations for the church to purchase supplies.

Church members will give away the supplies Saturday, August 18 at 9 a.m. at Hayden High School and anyone in the community may ask for supplies. Visit their website to see what supplies they need: http://www.fbchayden.com/school-supply-drive/school-supply-drive

Tuscaloosa:

St. Luke United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa: St. Luke's is collecting school and cleaning supplies for Skyland Elementary School. They will take donations through the end of August. They are located at             2605 Skyland Blvd E., Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

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