Several organizations plan to host school supply drives for the community, just in time for the start of the 2013-14 school year.

In Covington

One will be held Sunday, July 28, from 3-5 p.m. at the Newton County Recreation Center Turner Lake Complex. Community partners for the event include the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Washington Street Community Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Salvation Army.

School supplies and/or monetary donations should be sent to the Deputies Who Care Fund by mail at: 15151 Alcovy/Jersey Road. Donations also can be dropped off at The Newton County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information about donating to the drive, contact Cpl. Wade Freeman at 678-625-1445.

In Porterdale

Another school supply drive will be held Tuesday, July 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in downtown Porterdale at Main Event, 2001 Main St.  Porterdale’s Community Assistance Relief Effort (C.A.R.E.) is giving away free school supplies to children who live in Porterdale and Newton County.

C.A.R.E. Chairman and Porterdale City Council member Linda Finger said this is the fourth year of the annual drive, which last year provided school supplies for 150 children.

"Our intention is to just make sure the children have everything they need to start school," Finger said.

C.A.R.E. is funding the school supply drive, but the organization is seeking monetary donations to buy school supplies, Finger said. Donations of school supplies also are welcome, she said.

"We primarily ask for money so that way everybody gets the exact same things," she said.

Donations can be dropped off at the Porterdale city hall building. Finger said anyone who wants to volunteer for the event, or who needs more information, can contact her at 678-859-2496.