There are more than 5,000 school age children in Tempe living in poverty. Individuals, community organizations, church groups, businesses, family and friends can help these children get a good start in school by collecting school supplies and new clothes. Backpacks, pencils, notebooks, paper, new socks, shoes and clothes will make a difference and help determine a child’s readiness for the 2008/2009 school year.

Donations are currently being accepted at the offices of Tempe Community Council, 34 E. Seventh St., through July 31. For large donations of items, arrangements can be made to have them picked up through Aug. 1 by calling Lynette Stonefeld, director of Communities in Schools, at 480-858-2316.