JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Children in Jamestown need help with back-to-school needs now more than ever.

The Community Action Food Pantry supplies 137 children with backpacks, pencils and paper as part of the 2017 school-supply drive, said Sarah Oberlander. Oberlander is the food pantry coordinator for Community Action Region VI.

This year, the food pantry may need to support even more.

To help, Jamestown Kiwanis is collecting at least 53 backpacks and stocking them with the supplies needed for the new school year.

“We always support this drive, but this year is extra special,” said Jamestown Kiwanis President Jason Gruebele. “This year, Kiwanis has 53 members – the largest membership in decades. To celebrate, we’ll do what Kiwanis does best: serve children. That’s why we want to collect and stuff at least 53 backpacks.”

The club will collect items until Wednesday, Aug. 8. On Aug. 9, members of Kiwanis’ service leadership program, the Aktion Club, will sort and organize the donations. Aktion Club is a group for developmentally disabled adults.

“Our goal is 53 stuffed backpacks and we’re already well on our way. We appreciate any help the community can spare,” Gruebele said.

All supplies are important, however, the food pantry is most in need of: full-sized backpacks, folders and notebooks.

Kiwanis Club and Aktion Club exist to serve children. Each group is open to new members.

To learn more or to donate school supplies, email JamestownKiwanis@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/JamestownKiwanis.