In this rough economy, some West Maui parents cannot afford to buy school supplies for their children.

Teachers will also need help equipping their classrooms for the 2011-12 school year that starts Aug. 1.

Recognizing the importance of supporting Maui students and schools, the island’s Rotary Clubs are amid their fifth annual School Supplies Drive.

On Saturday, July 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of Lahaina Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise will stand near the entrances of Longs Drugs, Office Max and Walgreens to collect school supplies for the children of Maui.

Drives are also slated for Foodland in Kahului on July 23, Office Max in Kahului on July 23-24, and Longs in Kihei and Upcountry, and Safeway in Kihei on July 31.

As customers enter these businesses, Rotarians will hand them school supply lists of items needed by island keiki and teachers.

Store patrons are encouraged to buy any of these needed items or to make a donation for purchases.

Once collected, the Rotary Club members will divide and deliver the collected supplies and funds to community programs that help children in need and to the individual schools.

For more information on Maui’s Rotary Clubs, or to make a contribution for school supplies, contact Maui Assistant District Governors Rita Barreras at 264-0491 or Joanne Laird at 757-0981.

Contribute and help Maui students arrive at school with everything they need.