Submitted Photo Local nonprofits are stepping up to support students with back to school supplies. Photo provided by Pixabay

As summer draws to a close, with costs and everyday expenses rising, several local nonprofits are teaming up to ensure Minot students begin the school year prepared and confident.

Operation Homefront (military families), Mrs. Field’s Closet, Back 2 Basics Hybrid Pantry, Matthew 25 Project, Minot Area Homeless Coalition, Inc. and the Salvation Army’s Back-to-School Supplies Distribution are each providing free essentials, such as school supplies, clothing, food and personal care items to local children.

For military families, children are able to secure some help with free school supplies with Operation Homefront at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Minot Air Force Base. Operation Homefront also has a location for military families in Devils Lake at Camp Grafton, Building 6400.

Mrs. Field’s Closet was founded by teacher Tammy White in memory of her friend and school counselor Becky Field. Located at Longfellow Elementary and Central Campus Middle School, the program discreetly provides items such as deodorant, socks, shampoo and notebooks to students in need.

The Back 2 Basics Hybrid Pantry, run by the Minot Public School Foundation, will give students basic necessities such as food, toiletry items, shoes, clothing, school supplies and a helping hand.

The Matthew 25 Project in Minot is holding a Back to School Supply Distribution Saturday, Aug. 16, from 2-4 p.m., thanks to Land O’ Lake employees who donated and packed more than 100 bags, as well as many private donors. “We will have backpacks filled with supplies, including notebooks, folders, markers, pencils, crayons, calculators and more. All students, as well as homeschooled students and college kids are all welcome. You do not have to be a registered shopper,” said Mellissa Maasjo, founder of The Matthew 25 Project. There will be no regular shopping on this day.

The Minot Area Homeless Coalition, Inc has bookbags and back to school supplies as well. Families needing assistance should call the office.

“There is no screening, no requirements, just give us a call and we will get you taken care of,” said Karrie Christensen, executive director.

The Minot Salvation Army will host its Back-to-School Supplies Distribution Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 315 Western Ave. Families who pre-registered by Aug. 5 will receive backpacks filled with supplies and a free pair of shoes. The event will also include a community block party with food, games and fellowship.

Organizers say these programs share a common mission — removing barriers to learning so students can focus on academics and feel comfortable among their peers.

Contacts for assistance or donations:

— Mrs. Field’s Closet, Tammy White, 721-0404

— Operation Homefront (for military families), Minot, 420-5848

— Operation Homefront (for military families), Devil’s Lake, 665-7896

— Back 2 Basics Hybrid Pantry, Minot Public School Foundation, 857-4555

— Matthew 25 Project, 922-2622

— Minot Area Homeless Coalition, Inc., 852-6300

— Salvation Army Back-to-School Event, 838-8925