It’s early July, and school supplies have already hit the store shelves. A partnership between the Salvation Army and Shopko is providing a way to help those in need this school season.

From now until Aug. 7, Shopko stores in Minnesota will collect school supply donations and a local Salvation Army will give the donated supplies to families in the community through the Tools for Schools program. To donate, visit Shopko stores and look for the donation bins.

“We look forward to this opportunity every year,” Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division commander, said in a press release. “We see the need every day. Thanks to Shopko’s Tools for Schools program, hundreds of kids will be better prepared and ready to go when that first day of school arrives.”

By providing backpacks, notebooks, pencils and other school essentials, children and parents can focus on school and be prepared.

A list of needed supplies can be found on the donation boxes located at local Shopko stores.

Financial gifts to purchase supplies can also be mailed to the Salvation Army in the community, or donations can be made online.

Shopko location near you:

•Austin

•Aitkin

•Albert Lea

•Duluth

•East Grand Forks

•Fairmont

•Fergus Falls

•Glenwood

•Mankato

•Morris

•New Prague

•Rochester

•St. Cloud

•Two Harbors

•Winona