While most children are probably dreading the term 'back to school', Staples is getting prepared for September.

The annual Staples School Supply Drive is now underway, where the community pitches in to buy notebooks, pencils, erasers and more for families who can't afford to stock up for the new school year.

This year, Staples is donating funds and products raised in the drive to TM Roberts and Gordon Terrace elementary schools. Then the schools' principals will purchase supplies and give them out to students who need them.

"Our community has always been extremely supportive of this program. Many people out there in our community do recognise the need for helping these kids out," said Connor Stewart, general manager of Cranbrook's Staples.

With the community's support, the supply drive has grown consistently since it started seven years ago.

"It has grown a fair bit over the years. What has been really great is, instead of one school, we have been able to support up to three or four schools and make donations to them, all focused on the elementary schools," said Stewart.

"Unfortunately the need is very large for quite a number of young students who aren't able to start out the school year with the basic supplies. We have been able to really help out with that."

The School Supply Drive is a national initiative of Staples, which hopes to raise $1.5 million across Canada this year. But Stewart pointed out that any money donated here is given to local schools.

"Each dollar that is raised locally goes locally. It doesn't go into a national pot and get split up."

Staples is planning several fundraisers for school supplies, starting with a barbecue outside the store on Saturday, August 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plans are underway for a bake sale and a silent auction with some very exciting items.

In the meantime, donations will be accepted at Staples between now and September 9. You can make a cash donation at the register, or donate school supplies if you prefer.

"If they are in the store doing some school shopping and decide to pick up an extra pack of pencils, they can donate the product," said Stewart.

For more information, visit www.staples.ca/community.