The Portage Friendship Centre's School Supply Drive is now accepting donations for the 2016-17 school year.

Coordinator Jaelin Way says they're starting off a little bit early, all in hopes of bringing in more supplies at the end of August. Way speaks to the importance of the drive.

"It's very important. There's a lot more people in town than we think that maybe can't afford all of the supplies. It's very beneficial to some of the kids that maybe won't be able to get some of the things that are required. So it's very, very important."

There are donation boxes at Canadian Tire, RBC, Austin Credit Union, and Mayfair Print Shop. Way says it's an incredible feeling dropping off all the supplies to the division.

"It's really nice because I knew people when I was in school that maybe didn't have everything that they needed, and this wasn't an option when I was younger. So knowing that our population is growing as well, and maybe there aren't that maybe people that can get everything, I think that even just seeing the faces when I bring it into the school division they're so excited to have all of it, I can only imagine what it's like for the kids that get it."

Way shares her reaction on the support from local businesses.

"I am very pleased with it, knowing that they're willing to help too, the banks especially. I'm very grateful because with stores it's a little different, they have the supplies there and it's just convenient as you walk out the door. For the banks and other local businesses to be a part of it is really great because people go in there all the time, and it's nice to know that everybody in our community cares."

The Supply Drive ends August 31st, but Way says there's always a way to get a few donations in late.