It’s back to school time and schools in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District are collecting school supplies and backpacks for underprivileged students to help them start the school year on the right foot.

The high school, junior high, and elementary schools each have different needs to meet for their less fortunate students. School supplies, gift cards, certain clothing items, and food and hygiene items are among the needs to be filled, depending on the school site.

According to the Stanislaus County Office of Education, the homeless student population has grown over the past few years and estimates indicate that more than 3,000 homeless school-age children currently live and attend public schools in Stanislaus County.

See the July 31 issue of The Leader for more information and details of each of the Oakdale schools’ needs to help these students.