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The Chamber of Commerce is spearheading a drive to collect school supplies.

The Chamber is working with Rotary Club and Chamber member businesses in the effort, which will last until Aug. 31.

“So far, we’ve got a whole table full of supplies,” Executive Director Lynn Edwards said. Right now, the drive is focused on collecting basic supplies like pencils, paper and notebooks or crayons and markers for younger students. Local businesses are encouraged to donate items with their logo on it as well, like pens. After school starts, the organizers may attempt to collect other items like book bags or uniforms.

The drive is also collecting money, $250 so far. “How can we expect our students to do their best without the proper tools which some cannot afford in this economy?” an email sent out by the Chamber asked. This is the third year the Chamber has done the drive, which was started when the economy was in decline in 2009.

“We would like to be able to give each school donations,” Edwards said. “Every school will get some.”

Donors are encouraged to remember students of different age levels need different items, for example, younger children might use wide-ruled paper while older students might use college-ruled paper. Monetary donations will be used to purchase supplies.

Anyone interested in mailing a donation may send it to Anson County Chamber, P.O. Box 305, Wadesboro, NC 28170. Mark the donation for school supplies.

Call the Chamber at 704-694-4181 for more information.