Nearly 10,000 children in the Chicago area are considered homeless, and in desperate need of school supplies. Now, we want to provide each of them with a backpack full of supplies they need to learn. You, too, can help by donating school supplies in new or excellent condition.

Drop off locations include all Dominick's Finer Food Stores, and participating Chicago Public Libraries between July 21 and Aug. 21, 2007. Donations can also be mailed to Tools for Schools, 2800 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60608.

Most of all, we need cash donations to purchase enough supplies and backpacks to go around. A cash donation of $25.00 provides 3 needy children with a backpack full of supplies. Donations are tax deductible.

Help us make a difference in a child's life. Without your help, many will go to school empty-handed.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES CHARITY TRUST and mailed to:

Chicago Sun-Times Tools for Schools, P.O. Box 3455, Chicago, IL 60654.

Sulzer Branch: 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.; (312) 744-7616

Woodson Branch: 9525 S. Halsted St.; (312) 747-6900

Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch: 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.; (312) 774-6022

Lincoln Park Branch: 1150 W. Fullerton Ave.; (312) 774-9160

Oriole Branch: 7454 W. Balmoral Ave.; (312) 744-1965

Theodore Roosevelt Branch: 1101 W. Taylor St.; (312) 746-5656

Clearing Branch: 6423 W. 63rd Place; (312) 747-5657

West Lawn Branch: 4020 W. 63rd St.; (312) 747-7392

McKinley Park Branch: 1915 W. 35th St.; (312) 747-6082

Near North Branch: 310 W. Division St.; (312) 744-0991

Beverly Branch: 2121 W. 95th St.; (312) 747-2082

Harold Washington Library: 400 S. State St.; (312) 747-4300