As much as you don't want to believe it, back-to-school season is on the horizon, and a local retirement community will be helping children this fall.

Longwood at Oakmont, a senior housing community in Plum Borough, launched the “Project Backpack” program to provide local elementary school students with various school supplies.

Throughout the month of July, the senior living community will be collecting the following new items:

• No. 2 Pencils
• Pencil Boxes
• Notebooks/Notebook Paper/Writing Tablets
• Art Supplies—Crayons, markers, construction paper, glue sticks and more
• Erasers
• Pencil Sharpeners
• Rulers
• Pocket Folders
• Chalk

All materials can be dropped off at Longwood at Oakmont’s Commons and StoneRidge lobbies. The community is located at 500 Route 909, near the Plum/Oakmont border.

“Receiving a good education is important especially with today’s economy and job market,’” said Michael Haye, Executive Director of Longwood at Oakmont. “As an active community member, we want to ensure that local students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.”

On Friday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m., residents and staff members will be filling the backpacks—provided by Longwood—to deliver to the Pittsburgh Faison K-5 Elementary school. For more information about volunteering or to make a donation, contact Pamela Weatherspoon at 877-341-4379.

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