Registration for the Salvation Army Austin Corps’ Back To School Caring Tree project begins Monday.

According to Lori Blanton, social worker, the registration period will continue through Friday, Aug. 8.

The Back To School Caring Tree project is offered with the cooperation of the Oak Park Mall shopping center in conjunction with the Minnesota Shopping Centers Association.

The project invites shoppers at Oak Park Mall to select a child or children and purchase authorized school supplies.

There will be a display at Centre Court in Oak Park Mall compete with shopping lists supplied by local school districts.

Shoppers select a name or names and then purchase needed school supplies, which the Salvation Army will distribute to eligible families.

The Salvation Army will accept applications from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until the deadline.

According to Blanton, needy families may also call the Salvation Army and request an evening appointment.

This year, the Salvation Army will only distribute book bags to those students who did not receive one a year ago.

Students in grades kindergarten through 12th are eligible for the assistance.

For more information, call Blanton at 437-4566.

The official kick-off of the 2008 Back To School Caring Tree project for shoppers will be announced soon.