SKOWHEGAN — Skowhegan Savings will be collecting school supplies through Sept. 2 at the bank’s 10 branches to support local students’ academic needs. The annual drive is marking its seventh year.

The bank is accepting school supply donations for local students, including lined paper, highlighters, pens and glue sticks.

Donations of school supplies can be made at branches in Belgrade, Bingham, Dexter, Fairfield, Jackman, Madison, Norridgewock, Pittsfield and Skowhegan.

The bank is urging customers to donate three-ring binders, lined paper, highlighters, pens, pencils, book covers, glue sticks, lunch boxes and backpacks, and other essential items. Each branch will have a drop-box for donations. Families or individuals that donate do not have to be customers of the bank.

“The cost of school supplies can add up quickly and as a community bank, we want to help local families and their children to succeed,” said Karen Hart, assistant vice president and marketing officer at the bank. “In these tough economic times, we want to help put a smile on the face of a parent or child that could use a little help.”

The bank will allot donations to area schools based on the number of school supplies that are donated. The supplies will be presented to the school’s principal, who will distribute them to students as needed.