Just a little more than a week to go till school starts – and dozens of West Seattle kids still need your help. West Seattle Helpline is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out about its backpack and clothing drives – the photo above is from one of the recent distribution days. We checked with Helpline executive director Anna Fern today for an update:

We have given away over 130 backpacks filled with school supplies. So we gave away about 40 backpacks and school clothes at the Clothesline each day during our three day give away.

We now have a waiting list for 47 more backbacks. Seattle Schools start next (week) so it still is not too late to donate…by calling the Helpline 206.932.4357 or donating through Paypal on our website.

Our next focus is going to be on clothing drives for items for school age children. We are desperate for more! Each child/student can take up to three outfits plus a coat or a pair of shoes. You can see what an incredible amount of clothing this translates to.

Call the Helpline number above, or contact them online here, for info on how to donate clothing; you also can drop off backpacks at Coffee at the Heights (WSB sponsor) in Sunrise Heights or Capers in The Junction.