The Northshore Schools Foundation (NSF), on behalf of Northshore School District (NSD), is coordinating the 18th annual supply drive to collect back-to-school supplies and backpacks for district students who need them.

The community-wide drive begins July 10 and runs through Aug. 10.

“Our goal is to provide a brand-new backpack filled with age-appropriate school supplies to every student who needs one,” said Carmin Dalziel, executive director of NSF, in a press release. “We have received requests for more than 1,200 backpacks and we are hopeful that our community will help us meet that need by donating supplies at a local collection site.”

Backpacks for Kids is collecting school supplies including backpacks, three-ring binders, spiral notebooks, folders, crayons and more.

“Last year, when one of the students opened their backpack, we heard a gasp of joy: ‘Glue sticks! I have my own glue sticks!’” said Dalziel in the release. “It was so heartwarming to really witness what a sense of pride and confidence that having the things you need need and want available can bring. You really can make a difference one pencil, one crayon box, one glue stick at a time.”

Dozens of local businesses and churches will be collection sites during the drive. Many of them will be taking a challenge to collect a certain amount of particularly hard to provide items. Real Living Northwest is also sponsoring three community collection days in each of the three main cities NSD serves.

Woodinville

4-6 p.m., Aug. 2: Celebrate Woodinville — Wilmot Park (17301 131st Ave. N.E.)

Bothell

Noon to 6 p.m., Aug. 4: Country Village Farmers Market (23718 Bothell-Everett Hwy)

Kenmore

6-8 p.m., Aug. 9: Movie’s at the Square — Kenmore Square (18131-18159 68th Ave. N.E.)

For more information about Backpacks for Kids and how to get involved, visit tinyurl.com/yb9nkd3g.

Backpacks for Kids is sponsored by Sound Storage of Mill Creek, who also acts as a year-round collection site for this campaign.

NSD families in need of backpack assistance should contact their school office manager or nurse.