They can be a fashion statement or strictly utilitarian. They can feature princesses, cartoon characters and wacky designs. They can be big or small.

They hold books, paper, pens, snacks and a host of other items that won’t fit inside a pocket. They normally last only one school year and are what every student needs when school starts — book bags.

Communities In Schools of Randolph County launched its annual Fill The Bus school supply drive with a request specifically for book bags.

Citing a recent 30 percent cut in funding from the Randolph County Commissioners, CISRC Executive Director Sandi Norman explained that in past years, the organization bought a supply of book bags. “We receive generous quantities of paper, notebooks and so forth from the community, but not so many book bags, probably because they are a bit more expensive. So, CISRC, in the past, has used its budgeted funds to make sure each of the students we help has a brand new book bag to start the school year off right.

“This year we just don’t have the funds to do that, so we are appealing to the community to help us meet the needs of these approximately 300 students.”

The book bags should be sturdy and relatively large, as most will be used by upper elementary school students. Book bags should not have wheels.

The faith community is again playing a large part in helping CISRC meet this need. “These congregations see Fill The Bus as a part of their home missions work,” Norman explained. “We appreciate their generosity and could not provide the current level of support to our community without their help.”

Businesses also play a part in this year’s effort. Hubbell Industrial Controls is hosting a box for their employees to drop off items and other businesses are planning events and will donate the items to CISRC.

CISRC also welcomes monetary donations for school supplies. These contributions can be sent to 1011 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203.

Items will be picked up Aug. 16.

Drop-off sites

Archdale Parks and Recreation Center

Archdale Public Library

State Employees Credit Union

Archdale-Trinity News

Archdale Friends Meeting and Pre-school

Archdale United Methodist Church

Trinity Memorial United Methodist Church

Trinity Baptist Church

Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church

Marlboro Friends Meeting

Poplar Ridge Friends Meeting Items needed

Book bags

3-ring binders

Pencils

Subject dividers

Colored pencils

Highlighters

Crayons

Student scissors

Wide-ruled notebook paper

Pens - black, blue, or red ink

Pencil bags and pencil boxes

Composition books — one, three, or five subject

Markers, thin or broad tip

Marbled composition books