I know, school just got out and we’re already talking about back to school. It’s crazy, but believe me it will be here soon enough. My favorite part about going back to school is getting new school supplies. I love taking the lists to the store and loading up the cart with all the goodies. Pink erasers, glue sticks, magic markers, and the smell of a new box of crayons bring back my own childhood memories and memories of my children’s first day of school.Buying school supplies is a ritual for most families, but there are many families in Alexandria who can’t afford supplies for their students. Who can’t send their kids off to school with the tools they need to get an education to move themselves forward. That’s where Alexandria City Public Schools comes in. Last year, with the help of the Alexandria community, they were able to supply nearly 2,000 K-12 students with all the supplies they needed to succeed.This year’s goal is to reach more than last year and we are here to help. Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post are thrilled to partner with ACPS on their annual Backpack Drive. Starting today thru August 15, Red Barn Mercantile (1117 King St) and Penny Post (1201 King St) once again will be collecting back to school supplies for Alexandria’s students. At each store you will find a bin ready to be filled to the brim with the following school supplies: backpacks, spiral notebooks, filler paper, three-inch binders, pencils and sharpeners, erasers, crayons and markers, colored pencils, highlighters, subject dividers, pencil pouches, scissors and glue, tissues, and Ziploc bags. When buying supplies please consider all of the grades because students in high school need supplies as much as those in kindergarten. One thought is to buy a duplicate – or triplicate – set of what your kids need and donate that.In addition to collecting supplies, we will be raising funds for ACPS schools. Every Good. Works. Wednesday from July 24^th to August 28^th we will donate 20 percent of your purchase to the school of your choice. All you have to do is tell us which school! This would be a good time for a little home refresh or perhaps personal stationery.And, if that weren’t enough, from August 2^nd to the 4^th we are once again paying for your sales tax on everything at Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post. Everything from pens and personal stationery to candles and couches are tax free that weekend so come on in and stock up on all the supplies you need!Thank you in advance for your support of Alexandria’s students!!