School starts back in less than a month, and there are more than 100 children in Limestone County Department of Human Resource’s protective care who need school supplies.

DHR Director Tracy Miller said right now there are about 100 children ages 5-18 in foster care and more than 130 in protective care.

The state works with individual donors, local churches and community-based organizations to collect supplies for the children, but they are always in need of additional help.

“One of the newest things kids need is earbuds,” Miller said. “A lot of schools have their own computers and tablets, and that’s what those are for.”

Miller said donors may also give cash. DHR will set up an account to cover any needs a student may have throughout the year. Anyone who wants to donate can take items to the DHR office, but Miller said a lack of storage space means donors should call ahead.

“If we know they’re coming, we can get it sorted out and get it to the right age group,” Miller said.

Call the DHR office at 256-216-6380.

Bank Independent

Storage is less of an issue for Bank Independent, which is in the middle of its fourth year collecting school supplies.

Last year, 13,000 items were collected for children in six counties, though the donations collected in Limestone County go to children in DHR’s care.

“That’s the great thing about our collection drive — no matter what county you donate in, it stays in that county,” said Erin Letson, community engagement officer at Bank Independent. “I think that’s important to a lot of people in that community.”

Donations will be accepted through Saturday, July 21.

Supplies can also be donated from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 21 at Athens Walmart.

Bank Independent has locations at 101 S. Clinton St. and 22015 U.S. 72 East in Athens.