SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE: Outreach is seeking school supplies for the next school year, which begins on August 25. Even though it is about eight weeks away, we need to get supplies on hand now.

Each year Outreach helps about 340 children whose families cant afford to buy school supplies and backpacks.

Last year two of our schools needed extra help. Fortunately, thanks to the generous support from Polk County people, we were 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, please call and let us know at 828-894-2988.&bsp; We try to buy when they are on sale and your help will be appreciated.&bsp; Gifts of backpacks are also accepted with much appreciation.

Donations of school supplies may be dropped off at Thermal Belt Outreach, 134 White Drive, Columbus NC, MondayThursday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m.&bsp; If you wish to make cash donations, please write school supplies in the memo line on your check.

Our mailing address is P.O. Box 834, Columbus NC 28722. &bsp;

The following school supplies are needed:

BackpacksWide-ruled and college ruled notebook paperPencilsLarge and small erasers Pencil boxes and pouchesColored pencils, markers and yellow highlightersRulers, pencil sharpeners and index cardsGlue sticks, composition books, and safety scissors3-ring binders, notebook dividers and tabs.Outreach would like to&bsp; thank each of you in advance for all the help you give us to help improve the learning experience for Polk County children.

Eloise Thwing is the founder and director of Thermal&bsp; Belt Outreach, which is an independent non-profit organization located in Columbus, N.C. For more information, visit our website at http://

tboutreach.org.