School has been out for only two weeks, but Thermal Belt Outreach is seeking school supplies for the next school year, which begins on August 25. That is only about eight weeks away, so the organization needs to get supplies ready now.

Each year Outreach helps about 340 children whose families cant afford to buy school supplies and backpacks. Last year two area schools needed extra help. Fortunately, thanks to the support from Polk County people, Outreach was able to send more pencils, pencil boxes, paper, crayons and glue sticks to Tryon Elementary and Polk Central Schools.

Backpacks are a premium item because they are more expensive. If you find a great price on these call and let Outreach know at 828-894-2988. They try to buy when they are on sale and your help will be appreciated. Gifts of backpacks are also accepted with much appreciation.

Donations of school supplies may be dropped off at Thermal Belt Outreach, located at 134 White Drive, in Columbus, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you wish to make cash donations write school supplies in the memo line on your check. The mailing address is P.O. Box 834, Columbus N.C. 28722.

The following school supplies are needed:

Backpacks, wide-rule and college rule notebook paper, pencils, large and small erasers, pencil boxes and pouches, colored pencils, markers and yellow highlighters, rulers, pencil sharpeners and index cards, glue sticks, composition books, and safety scissors, three-ring binders, notebook dividers and tabs.