It's hard to believe, but it's time to start thinking about back to school. And that's just what the folks at Manna are doing, as they ask for donations of school supplies to outfit local kids in need. In addition, they're offering a chance for parents to sign their kids up next week.

Every time I walk through a Back-to-School aisle in a store, I smile. Why? Because I don't have to buy that stuff any more. I mean, it's expensive! And it seems like, each year, the lists of what kids need just keeps getting longer, as funding for the schools to provide supplies goes down. I have three sons, so I know how impossible it can be to supply all those necessities year after year.

That's where Manna comes in. For 15 years, the folks at Manna have been collecting donations of school supplies, to hand out to area children. Organizers call each school to find out what is required, from pre-school through high school, and then they set about obtaining the supplies.

Items that are needed include:

  • Backpacks for all ages (boys and girls)
  • Pencil Sharpeners
  • Erasers
  • Rulers
  • Protractors
  • Pencils
  • 3-Ring Binders
  • Colored Pencils
  • Pens
  • Glue Sticks
  • Calculators
  • Pocket folders
  • Pencil boxes
  • Spiral Notebooks
  • Safety Scissors
  • Highlighters

All the items can be dropped off at Manna, 629 Main Street in Bangor. Or look for donation boxes at Walmart in Bangor and Brewer, and at Target.

If you're interested in signing your child(ren) up to receive school supplies, stop by Manna on August 11th, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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