With only a few weeks of summer vacation left, it's time for back to school shopping, but some families with kids need some extra help.

Pens, pencils, paper, binders are all on the regular lists and now some schools even require students have flash drives which means the cost of school supplies can add up fast.

When back to school shopping gets too expensive, the Salvation Army steps in. They are collecting school supplies for those who can't quite afford them.

Chad Jeremy is with the Salvation Army and he says anything people can bring helps a lot.

"A simple backpack filled with school supplies can make all the difference to a child who can begin the year with an equal opportunity to succeed," he commentd.

Jeremy says they are seeing more and more people who are in need of this service.

"The Salvation Army believes we need to do everything possible to provide students young and old with the tools they need to succeed at school and in turn in life," he said.

They are hoping to collect enough supplies to fill 150 backpacks by the Labour Day weekend. Donations can be dropped off at either thrift store, or Regina Haven of Hope community ministry.

Edited by CJME's Adriana Christianson