The new school year is almost here, but there's still time to donate backpacks and school supplies for Barry County students who need them. Hastings City Bank and the Barry County United Way are collecting the items until Friday, Aug. 26. Distribution is Aug. 29.  

Items needed include backpacks without wheels and anything and everything that a student needs for school; pencils, crayons, markers, rulers, pencil boxes and more. Donations can be dropped off at any Hastings City Bank branch, the Hastings Police Department, Southside Pediatrics and Barry County United Way at 231 South Broadway in Hastings.

Last year, 360 children received school supplies and a backpack.