When the bell rings to kick off the 2019-20 school year, Oxford-Orion FISH wants students to have everything they need to succeed in the classroom.

That’s why between now and Aug. 21, the local nonprofit group is collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies to be distributed, free of charge, to elementary, middle school and high school students in the Oxford and Lake Orion districts.

“There isn’t anybody in the community (who) needs a backpack that will not have one,” said FISH volunteer Michelle Behm, who’s coordinating the annual drive with Lynn Kennis and Laureen Baldwin.

“It’s a wonderful gift that we’re able to give the children of this community. Children are our future, so I think it’s a very worthy cause.”

In years past, FISH typically had a “stockpile” of certain supplies to build on. But this year, Behm said the drive started with five leftover backpacks and that was it.

“We’re completely depleted,” she said.

But, Behm isn’t too concerned at this point because she’s a “firm believer” that “this is a wonderful community” where people come through with donations whenever there’s a need.

“I think it will all be fine,” she said.

FISH needs the following items: backpacks (new, not used), pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, lined notebooks, loose-leaf paper, pocket folders, three-ring binders, composition notebooks, pencil cases, scissors, markers, crayons, highlighters, Sharpies and glue sticks.

FISH is hoping folks will take advantage of the ‘back to school’ sales that usually begin around this time of year and purchase items for students in need.

Donations can be dropped off at FISH’s pantry on M-24, just south of Drahner Rd., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The address is 1060 S. Lapeer Rd.

Donors who can’t make it to the pantry can arrange for a pickup of their backpacks and supplies by calling (248) 981-5448.

Last year, FISH stuffed 185 backpacks for local students. This year, Behm believes they will need 210 based on the increasing number of households that FISH is providing groceries to every month.

“All of our numbers are just going up,” she said. “I think (210 is) a good amount. I’m feeling like that’s probably a safe bet.”

The backpack drive is designed to help both parents and students.

For parents, it takes some of the pressure off family budgets that are already stretched pretty thin.

“School supplies are just so outrageous (in terms of cost). Those backpacks are expensive,” Behm said. “Between the backpack and supplies, it’s an easy $75. If you’ve got two or three children, that’s really quite burdensome.”

For students, Behm believes having a brand-new backpack filled with fresh supplies “motivates” them to learn and ensures they’re not starting the school year at a “disadvantage.”

“I want to make sure that these children have every opportunity,” she said. “They’re able to walk in with everything that they need just like every other child in this community.”

Backpacks will be distributed at FISH’s old pantry building in Thomas on Friday, Aug. 23 between noon and 3 p.m. Students get to come and pick out what they want just like at a store.

“I love the looks on the kids’ faces. They’re so excited,” Behm said.