Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is collecting backpacks and other new school supplies at several locations over the next three days (August 7-9). All backpacks and supplies will be distributed to MCPS students in need during the school system’s third annual Back-to-School Fair on August 28.
   Items most needed include backpacks, pencils, pens, highlighters, pencil boxes, pencil pouches, rulers, large pink erasers, 3-ring binders, dividers, filler paper, pocket folders, and notebooks.
   These items can be dropped off at several locations:

   SATURDAY, AUGUST 7: WHITE FLINT MALL: Backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at an "Ask MCPS" event at White Flint Mall, 11301 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Staff will be located in the center court on the first floor to collect supplies, as well as answer any parent questions and provide information about the upcoming school year.

   SATURDAY-MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 8 & 9: WHOLE FOODS: Backpacks and school supplies can be dropped in collection boxes at one of five Whole Foods locations across Montgomery County:
   - 5269 River Road, Bethesda
   - 4420 Willard Avenue, Chevy Chase
   - 316 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg
   - 1649 Rockville Pike, Rockville
   - 833 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring

   SATURDAY, AUGUST 14: Backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off at "Ask MCPS" events at two shopping malls, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.:
   -  Westfield Wheaton Shopping Mall, 11160 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton; 2nd floor by Target.
   -  Westfield Montgomery Shopping Mall, 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda; 1st floor, center court.

   Donations may also be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the MCPS Department of Family and Community Partnerships, Room 50, Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville. 
   This year's Back-to-School Fair will be held Saturday, August 28, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive Rockville. For more information, visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org and click on the "Back to School Fair" badge.