Help local children, 1 pencil at a time

CINCINNATI - While Tri-State children are enjoying their summer break, parents are starting to get ready for "back to school" shopping and preparation.

With many schools starting next month, one of the main items on the parental "to do" list is buying school supplies.

While the U.S. economy is still recovering, many Tri-State parents are still struggling to get food on the table. Naturally, pencils and paper are not on the top of the list of things to buy.

Therefore, Huntington Bank and WCPO are teaming up once again to give backpacks full of school supplies to students in need throughout the area.

We're asking residents to donate school supplies at all Huntington Bank locations. Consider purchasing the basics, such as scissors, glue and notebooks. Monetary donations are being accepted as well.

The overall goal is to make sure children in the Tri-State are prepared to learn, no matter what they're financial situation.

"It's trying times still for many families out there, and the cost to live today is more expensive," said Kendra Overbeck, Regional Marketing and Communications Manager for Huntington Bank. "Annually Huntington does what's called a Backpack Index Survey, and the cost to go back to school is increasing year after year, and more information on the Huntington backpack survey will be released at the end of July. However, it is so important to really help our kids get the good education, and they need the essential school supplies to do that."

This is the third year for the Backpack School Supply Drive, which runs through the end of the month. This year, Huntington will give a total of 1,400 backpacks to local schools and organizations like the Salvation Army, the Urban League and The Welcome House.

Overall, Huntington plans to donate 30,000 backpacks in six states.

This story is a part of the School Zone 9 series. Tuesday on Good Morning Tri-State, find out if your child is up-to-date on Immunizations. GMTS starts at 4:30 a.m.