Luckily, the Big Spring Salvation Army is starting its annual back-to-school supply drive in an effort to make sure area children have the materials — notebook paper, pencils and pens — to start the school year.

Paula Lafler, a social worker with the Salvation Army, said the program has been such a success over the years because of community support, and there are two ways for area residents to help.

“If they would rather make a monetary donation instead of going out and buying the supplies, it actually saves a little bit of money,” said Lafler. “The Salvation Army is tax exempt, so we don’t have to pay the taxes on them. But if they prefer to purchase the supplies and bring them to us, it’s fine as well. If they make a monetary donation, they also need to earmark it for the back-to-school supplies.”

According to Lafler, the application process and distribution of the school supplies will be handled similar to past efforts.

“The last few years we’ve done the applications and distributions at the same time,” said Lafler. “The parents come in and fill out the paperwork, and if they are eligible, they can pick up the supplies right then. It makes it easier to keep up with our supply, and it makes it easier on them because they don’t have to make a second trip to the office.

“This year we were able to find a company that would provide basically everything the kids need — paper, pencils, you name it — along with a backpack, all for one price. We've ordered them and they should be here in time for the first day of applications. It's really helped to simplify the process for us.”

Lafler said the annual effort makes a big difference in the lives of children who might not otherwise have school supplies to start the year.

“It's hard enough to get back into the books,” said Lafler. “When you don't have the things you need — notebooks, paper, pencils — it just makes it that much harder.”

Applications for supplies will be taken from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. July 13-17, according to Lafler.

“We need people who are coming in to apply to bring a birth certificate or Medicaid card for each child,” said Lafler. “We also need to know what school the child is going to and what grade they will be in. Also, bring proof of income and expenses, and a picture ID for the person applying for the program. We'll let you know right then and there whether you qualify for the program, and if you do, you'll be able to take the supplies home right then.”

For more information on the program, contact the Salvation Army at 267-8239.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it