It is only July but it is time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. There are a lot of families for whom those three little words mean so much more.

"Our clients are struggling to put food on the table or pay the rent, and buying back-to-school supplies is just not in the budget," said Karena Thek, director of the West End Food Pantry.That is why for the second year the pantry will be holding a collection and distribution of school supplies for the children whose families are registered at the pantry in Eldred Township.The pantry is collecting new backpacks, single-subject notebooks, highlighters and folders."We set up a store and let the children pick out the supplies they like," volunteer Donna Deihl said. "It is great when they get to pick the items out for themselves. You can see the pride in their faces."In order to receive the supplies, families must be registered clients of the food pantry and must sign up their children on Aug. 5 at the pantry. Children in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible. The supplies will be distributed on Aug. 19.The group currently has enough supplies for about 50 schoolchildren but would like to have supplies for 300.Anyone interested in donating can drop off their donation at the Eldred Township Community Center. For more information on donating, go the pantry's Facebook page or email Thek at

karena@westendfoodpantry.org.Upcoming events for the pantry include a "Stuff the Truck" food drive, which is scheduled for Aug. 25 and 26, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the parking lot of the ShopRite in Brodheadsville. People are being asked to shop for nonperishable food items for the pantry. People donating five or more items will be given a chance to win a $100 gift card to ShopRite.The pantry is also planning its second "Stomp Out Hunger" 5K & Fun Walk event which will take place at the Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery on Nov. 5. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can go to the Facebook page for more information.