The Samaritan Center is seeking donations to stock its school supplies collection in anticipation of the fall.

“We are expecting a big demand this year,” said Tony Dahlberg, executive director at the Samaritan Center. He said the economy is just too tough to ignore.

Dahlberg said things have changed since he was in school and responsible for only a bottle of glue and two No. 2 pencils.

Photo by Hannah Campbell

Jessica Parks, left, programs and services support, and Angela Baerg, marketing and development coordinator, show off their favorite backpacks in the Samaritan Center’s school supplies room.

Click to enlarge photo

“Nowadays they have these long lists that they have to provide for themselves,” he said.

At the top of the list are backpacks and lunch boxes.

“Kids go through them pretty quickly, and it’s one of the more expensive things on the list,” said Jessica Parks, programs and services support at the center.

She said computer classes require blank CDs and flash drives, and middle schools now require graphing calculators. Though many schools have a few calculators to loan out, there aren’t enough, plus the kids can’t take them home.

Dahlberg said local elementary school classes come to the Samaritan Center to stuff personal care kits of towels, toothpaste, razors and shampoo. They have made 800 to date.

Other school groups volunteer to get donated games and toys ready for the center’s shop, making sure all the pieces are there and shining them up.

“This is part of a piece of the puzzle, so you have children helping children,” said Dahlberg.

Parents can come by the Samaritan Center to register for the program. Bring proof of income, bills and expenses for 30 days, Social Security card, photo identification and a school supply list.

After registration, parents bring their children to the Samaritan Center with an updated supply list, and the children shop the Samaritan Center.

For more information call the Samaritan Center at 238-7777.