The Tuscaloosa Backpack Coalition is currently holding its annual school supply drive, collecting school supplies for referred students from the Tuscaloosa City and Tuscaloosa County school systems, the Department of Human Resources, the Salvation Army, TOPS and the Housing Authority.

The Tuscaloosa Backpack Coalition’s Apples for Education is underway now at University Mall. Volunteers will be on hand to distribute apples at the Apples for Education table every day through Sunday, July 26. Donations are needed to fill over 2000 backpacks for area students.

Pam Rogers, coordinator for the Tuscaloosa Backpack Coalition, says it’s always exciting to see the community support each year.

“We start out every year with zero – nothing,” she said. “It is always so amazing to see how our community rallies together to support this worthy cause. I’ve seen it happen for the past 12 years!”

In addition to the Apples for Education table at University Mall, special collection bins will be located at area agencies, businesses and churches.

The backpacks will be distributed on Saturday, August 1 at several area locations. To see a full list of distribution sites and to learn more information about donations, visit the Tuscaloosa Backpack Coalition’s official website.

Here is a list of the items that are most needed to help fill these backpacks:

Plastic school box

Crayola Crayons

Washable Markers

#2 Pencils

Colored Pencils

Pens (black, blue, red)

Bottle of glue

Folders with pockets

3 ring binders

Composition Notebook

Spiral Notebook

College ruled paper

Wide ruled paper

Glue Sticks

Scissors

Dividers

Index Cards

Highlighters