While it may feel like summer is just getting underway, the back-to-school shopping season is only weeks away.

The VOCM Cares Foundation is once again teaming up with the Single Parent Association for the annual Block the Bus campaign to ensure all students have the essentials needed to start the new school year.

Executive director of SPANL, Jennifer Tarrant, says donations to the campaign are a big relief to many.

She says a backpack loaded with all the essentials takes the burden off many single parents who can’t afford the items on the school supply list.

Program manager Amy Tatchell says demand is quite high, with requests coming in from all over the province.

Over 530 children are registered so far with that number expected to climb in the coming weeks. Tatchell says the goal is to fill a thousand backpacks for kids across the province.

Donations of backpacks and supplies can be dropped off at bins located throughout the Village Shopping Centre or at SPANL’s office on Logy Bay Road.

Monetary donations are also being accepted online.

VOCM will be live on location for the main event at the Village on August 16.