NILES — Parents and children can pick up new school supplies for the incoming academic year at the Niles Salvation Army and in Cassopolis.

The Back to School Backpack Program will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at the Niles Salvation Army, 424 N. 15th St. in Niles.

The program serves children in grades kindergarten to 12th grade. Thanks to donations from the community, pre-packed backpacks with notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons, glue and other age-appropriate supplies are available.

A second program to serve residents in Cass County will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, and from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at the First Church of God, 21083 Spencer Road in Cassopolis.

No appointment is necessary, but supplies will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call the Niles Salvation Army at (269) 684-2660.