By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

As kids in Ellis County prepare to store their backpacks far from sight for the summer, Lois Magie, Hays, is ready to spend most of her summer thinking of nothing but backpacks.

Magie is the Backpacks For Kids program coordinator at First Call for Help.

For more than nine years, the organization has provided new backpacks — full of school supplies and personal hygiene products — for students ranging from preschool to high school.

Magie said the organization is preparing to provide at least 650 backpacks — up from the 588 backpacks handed out last year.

“I think the program is very important,” Magie said. “Kids need a chance to get some stuff they really need and apply towards school. And, with the cost of schooling going up, there are more parents who will be having trouble making ends meet.”

She said the organization can only accept new backpacks and are running low on backpacks for high school-age students, in particular.

Magie said boxes soon will be located at local churches and stores for donation drop-offs.

For a complete list of other needed supplies or to register for a backpack, call (785) 623-2800 or visit the First Call for Help website.