The Village Bank and Newton’s Department of Health & Human Services are collecting backpacks and other school supplies to distribute to deserving Newton elementary and middle school students between now and Friday (Aug. 17).

All six Newton branches of The Village Bank are serving as drop-off locations for donations of new backpacks, pencils, folders, binders, markers, rulers, notepads, calculators, etc. Donations may also be made at Newton City Hall.

Last year, more than 200 students headed to class with new backpacks filled with school supplies, thanks to donors.