Kids in need of school supplies for the 2017-2018 year will see a helping hand from the Salvation Army and the Bainbridge community.

From July 10 to July 21, donation centers will be set up around the city for residents to drop off school supplies that will go toward young students in need. Donations accepted include pencils, paper, pens, rulers, glue, USB drives, crayons, highlighters, erasers, scissors and markers.

“So many supplies are required, to get everything that a kid needs to get started, it costs between 75-100 dollars to complete a list,” said Stacey Warren, director of the Salvation Army. “And of course of want them to be successful.”

Warren added that some families have to choose between paying their bills and buying their children school supplies. She wants to eliminate the need to make that decision for as many local families as possible.

Last year, the Salvation Army’s school supplies drive collected 744 items, with 61 children supplied across more than 20 families.

Drop off locations for school supplies are: First Port City Bank, First State Bank, Regions Bank, First National Bank of Decatur County, Bank of the Ozarks, Family Bank, Five Star Credit Union, Three Rivers Credit Union, Peoples South and the Salvation Army Store.

“I just feel like it gives them a good start,” Warren said. “They are already handicapped when they don’t have the supplies.”

Distribution for the school supplies will happen on July 27 by appointment. Families and need can call the Salvation Army at (229) 243-7250.