As the school year approaches, The Brevard Schools Foundation is gearing up for its 15th annual back to school giveaway.

The Brevard School Foundation’s supply zone has been collecting thousands of dollars in school supplies all going toward children in need.

“Here in Brevard, our free and reduced lunch level keeps rising. Poverty is on the rise, which is against the state wide average which shows poverty is going down, so what better way to combat that than starting in the field of education,” Supply Zone Manager Elizabeth Schreiber said.

The first year of the giveaway, the foundation was able to serve around 1,500 students. This year foundation leaders hope to have enough donations to supply more than 2,000 kids.

But they still need donations. Items like books, pencils, backpacks and notepads are essential items they’re still looking to collect.

“Our goal is to level the playing field, give these children the items they need to succeed in school and break that cycle of poverty,” Schreiber said.

Last year the supply zone was able to collect more than $75,000 in donations. It hopes to surpass that this year.

Donations will be collected through July; the giveaway is scheduled to take place on July 29.

For more information and drop off locations head to their website: http://brevardschoolsfoundation.org/programs/supply-zone-for-teachers/donate-supplies