It’s hard to believe, but another school year is right around the corner. This can be a difficult and stressful time for many families who don’t have the money to purchase school supplies for their children.

The Sixth Annual Ashe County School Supply Drive is underway to help these folks in the county. New and much-needed school supplies can be donated between now and Monday, Aug. 8 and will be donated to the Ashe County public schools. The supplies will be delivered to the guidance counselors to ensure that the students with the most needs get the supplies.

Drop off locations include all LifeStore branches, West Jefferson’s Fifth Third Bank, West Jefferson and Lansing First Citizens Banks, Ashe Services for Aging, Ingles, Lansing Foods, and the Dollar General Store. Gift cards can also be donated. A $15 gift card can purchase a book bag filled with paper, pencils, glue, scissors and crayons.

If your company, church, agency or civic organization would like to participate or act as a collection site, please contact Glenda Luther, Ashe County Volunteer Coordinator at 246-4347.

Tax-free weekend for school supplies will be Aug. 5-7.

The school supply drive is sponsored by the Ashe County Volunteer Initiative. For more information contact Glenda Luther at the phone number listed above or email glenda.luther@ashecountygov.com.