The Portage Friendship Centre is asking for any school supplies or cash donations to help with next year's school year.

Krystal Huska, the administrative assistant for Portage Friendship Centre, says they are looking for any type of school supplies. She lists common items such as pencils, pens, and binders, but also mentions items such as socks and shoes as well.

"We will have boxes set up at local stores in Portage," says Huska. "There will be Red Apple, The Great Canadian Dollar Store, Co-op Food Store, Canadian Tire, Portage Supermarket and Simplot."

She adds this is normally a yearly drive but they had to cancel last year's due to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains how the supply drive will benefit those who need it most.

"When the drive ends, we'll go to our sponsors and pick up everything," says Huska. "We will give them to the Portage School Division and they will hand them out to the families as needed."

The drive begins next week and will run until August 31.