It’s only a few weeks before the school bell chimes again but an association which helps those who have trouble covering the cost of supplies says the next few days present a great opportunity to get the most bang for the buck.

Donations made to the Single Parent Association of Newfoundland and Labrador online this week will be matched dollar for dollar by Harvey’s Home Heating. The association uses the money to purchase supplies.

Executive director Danielle Seward says they have done up backpacks for some 650 kids so far this year, and they have accepted applications from about another 200.

At one point this past week, they ran out of pencil cases, highlighters, and graph paper.

Seward says demographics change constantly, but this year the greatest need is with teenage girls.

The backpacks for that group are more expensive because more has to go in them, so that’s our greatest demand this year,” says Seward.

If somebody wishes to donate but cannot get to the Village Shopping Centre, monetary donations are welcome.