MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — There is a lot going on in one local community helping get students ready for school.

Multiple organizations like the Souris Valley United Way, Companions for Children, the Lions Club, and the Minot Salvation Army are coming together to help the community.

The Minot Salvation Army is hosting its back-to-school drive giving out school supplies to families in need.

“This year we are doing a shop yourself model, you get to walk through and choose the supplies that you need,” said Lt. Julie Reed, a corps officer with The Salvation Army.

Pencils, pens, folders, and notebooks are just a few of the resources kids will get to have for a successful school year ahead.

Leaders say there is one item they have plenty of.

“We do have a lot of backpacks so people can come and get a backpack and we also have a lot of the standard school supplies you might need,” said Lt. Trevor Reed, a corps officer at The Salvation Army.

When kids and families come in upstairs, there are people to help you shop through the backpacks.

Downstairs, the Lions Club is giving people free eye exams and there is a hairstylist giving out free haircuts.

They say they all want to be able to meet the needs of the community and this type of model helps with that.

“Just being able to have that choice can have a really big impact on students going into the school year and when you get to choose what you want to have you are able to set yourself up for success,” said Lt. Trevor Reed.

It’s no secret school supplies are expensive and those bills can add up for families that have more than one kid.

“So we are able to help provide those school supplies, cut that cost down a little bit for families as they are preparing for the school year,” said Lt. Julie Reed.

But, the Salvation Army isn’t done yet, they are also planning on holding a coat drive this winter.

Reed says 30 families came through Friday morning and they were hoping to see at least 30 more by the end of the day.

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