The Salvation Army has launched a community drive aimed at providing school supplies for 100 children when school starts Aug. 18.

School supplies should be delivered to the Salvation Army as soon as possible because Luther Vaughan, Alma and Mary Bramlett elementaries are already in session, Salvation Army administrative assistant Darlene Henderson said. The church plans to assist students in year-round schools along with those who attend schools on the traditional 9-month calendar.

"There are many children in this county who are unable to purchase school supplies," Henderson said. "This would be a great way for the community to reach out to one or more of these children and give them a good start going back to school."

School supplies being collected include notebook paper, composition notebooks, colored pencils, crayons, glue sticks, graph paper and washable markers. School boxes can be donated for students to carry pencils and other supplies.

Several Cherokee County schools have made an effort to provide school supplies for students in recent years. The district's middle schools have used instructional fees to provide supplies for students at registration.

Alma Elementary Principal Kim Camp said her school has provided students with basic supplies such as notebook paper and pencils this school year.

Even with these district efforts, Henderson said the Salvation Army hopes its school supply drive will meet a need in today's difficult economy.

"If you would like to participate in this endeavor, please deliver your items to the Salvation Army (601 Colonial Drive, Gaffney) as soon as possible as some schools are already in session," Henderson said.

Cash donations can be sent to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2087, Gaffney, S.C. 29342. All checks should be made payable to The Salvation Army and marked "school supplies."