HAWC collecting supplies for back to school season

SALEM ? Start of the new school year is fast approaching and HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) is collecting backpacks and other supplies to hand out to needy children.”This is the 13th year HAWC will run its back to school drive,” said Alicia Black Weaver, assistant director of development. “All donated items will be distributed to the children in grades elementary through high school who are in HAWC’s shelter and to children whose parents seek out other HAWC services.”According to Weaver, backpacks are in demand, as are other useful items such as pens, markers, pencils and pencil cases, calculators, highlighters, binders, trapper keepers, loose leaf paper, notebooks, folders and erasers.All items can be dropped off at HAWC’s Salem office in Shetland Park, 27 Congress St., Suite 201, from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Items will be collected and distributed through the end of August. HAWC will also gladly accept gift cards or certificates for back-to-school supplies and clothing, Weaver said.For more information, call HAWC at 978-744-8552 or go online at www.hawcdv.org.