With summer having passed its zenith, the 2014-15 school year is closer than ever.

For some kids, that means that it’s time to get excited; in just a few short weeks it will be time to get outside of the house and learn something new. For others, it means that it’s time to start groaning; after all, in just a few short weeks it will be time to get outside the house and learn something new.

But for every family, the upcoming school year brings with it a long list of school supplies that need to be purchased.

Three boxes of Kleenex tissues, four packages of 4 by 4 inch graph paper, hand sanitizer, 50 Ticonderoga Number 2 pencils — the length and pickiness of these lists often leads to chaos in stores and a hole in the family budget where money usually is.

Luckily, for parents unable to afford every item on their lists, several businesses are collecting surplus school supplies from families willing to donate them and redistributing them to those in need. One such program is being hosted by Kitsap County Wellness. They are looking for general school supplies, from pencils and notebooks to bandages and cleaning wipes. They are accepting donations throughout August and are at 5050 State Highway 303 NE, Suite A101, in Bremerton or call 360-478-9788.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of general school supplies as well, with an emphasis on backpacks. Donations can be brought in at any time and families in need may pick up supplies beginning this week. The Salvation Army office is at 832 Sixth St. in Bremerton or call 360-573-5550.

Central Kitsap School District is accepting donations from anyone. School supplies of any kind can be dropped off at 9210 Silverdale Way NW in Silverdale. CKSD can be reached at 360-662-1610.

By Ryan Robinson, summer intern

Contact Ryan at rrobinson@soundpublishing.com.