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 28 and Aug. 18, 2008. 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.

Harold Washington Library Center branch: 400 S. State St.; (312) 747-4072

Woodson branch: 9525 S. Halsted St.; (312) 747-6905

Sulzer branch: 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.; (312) 744-2579

Bucktown-Wicker Park branch: 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave; (312) 744-6022

Edgebrook branch: 5331 W. Devon Ave.; (312) 744-8313

Uptown branch: 929 W. Buena Ave.; (312) 744-8400

Hegewisch branch: 3048 E. 130th St.; (312) 747-0046

Vodak Eastside branch: 3710 E. 106th St.; (312) 747-5500

Chicago Lawn branch: 6120 S. Kedzie Ave.; (312) 747-0639

Toman branch: 2708 S. Pulaski Rd.; (312) 745-1660

Blackstone branch: 4904 S. Lake Park Ave.; (312) 747-0511