Monroe collection begins for school supplies

MONROE -- The Salvation Army of Monroe County has set up a network of donation barrels around Monroe County in its drive to collect school supplies that will be put in backpacks and distributed to children.

Items such as pencils, paper, rulers, crayons, and scissors are needed. Backpacks are welcome too. Last year, about 2,000 backpacks were distributed, and the Salvation Army expects to pass out at least that many this year.

The donation locations are:

All Monroe County Library System Branches.

All Monroe County Credit Union locations.

All Education Plus Credit Union locations.

Kroger in Lambertville.

Francis Family YMCA.

Monroe Family YMCA.

Bedford Township hall.

Arthur Lesow Community Center.

Bedford Senior Community Center.

Frenchtown Senior Center.

Monroe Center for Healthy Aging.

Walmart Vision Center.

Michigan Department of Human Services.

Family Dollar in Monroe, Telegraph Road and South Dixie Highway locations.

Food Town Monroe and Lambertville locations.

Many churches also are participating. Backpacks are to be distributed Aug. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Francis Family Y in Temperance and the Lesow Center in Monroe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families needing backpacks should apply to the Salvation Army by Aug. 1.

For more information, call Kyle Hudson at 734-241-0440.