Back to school effort just around the corner

The Back to School Consortium, a community effort that provides school supplies, hair cuts and clothing assistance for needy families in the Shoreline School District, will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 29 at Ridgecrest Elementary School. Clothing assistance will be available from 1 to 4 p.m. at the North City building.

In 2008, more than 660 students received needed school supplies and clothing. The Consortium expects that more families will seek assistance this year as they struggle to afford school supplies and clothing.

To register for the event, visit the Back to School Consortium Web site, www.btsconsortium.org, or call the info line at 206-393-4916. Deadline for registration is Aug. 21. Those interested in volunteering before or during the event should visit the Web site for a list of opportunities to participate.

Donations of backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, socks and underwear are still being accepted and can be dropped off at the following locations around Shoreline and Lake Forest Park:

Ÿ Center for Human Services

Ÿ Dale Turner Family YMCA

Ÿ Shoreline Center

Ÿ Shoreline Library

Ÿ Shoreline City Hall

Ÿ Lake Forest Park City Hall

Ÿ Third Place Books and Commons

Ÿ New Hope Seattle Christian Fellowship

Ÿ Vineyard Community Church

Ÿ Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Ÿ First Seattle Christian Reformed Church

Ÿ St. David Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Ÿ Shoreline Bank branches

Monetary donations are also being accepted at the Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave. NE, Shoreline.

Volunteers from many different Shoreline community groups will help with the sorting, packing and distribution of donated supplies in the backpacks.

Back to School Consortium members include the Center for Human Services; City of Lake Forest Park; City of Shoreline; Shoreline Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services; Embrace Shoreline Schools; The Works of Shoreline PTA Council; Shoreline School District; YMCA, Turning Point; and The Vineyard.