Seven local organizations have announced a community-wide school supply drive in Michigan City, which runs through August 5. Supplies collected during the drive will be distributed to area students who are in need of materials to start the school year. Many area businesses, including major retailers, have set up collection bins to accept donations from their employees and the general public.Businesses, churches, and other organizations are invited to join in the collection drive. Supplies collected by community organizations and individuals may be brought to the Elston Cafeteria (enter on the west side of the building on Spring Street, near the Holdcraft Performing Arts Center) on Tuesday, August 6, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.Suggested donations include: pencils, black pens, spiral notebooks and 3-hole notebook paper (especially college rule), markers (washable), dry erase markers, glue sticks, erasers, pencil boxes,  2-pocket folders, antibacterial wipes, facial tissues, backpacks (new or gently used), “Ziploc” sandwich bags, rulers, highlighters, composition books, calculators, and ear buds/headphones.Distribution of the supplies will take place during a Citywide Back-to-School Rally on Thursday, August 8 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Elston’s Gill Field. The event is a collaborative effort supported by numerous community agencies. Volunteers are needed on August 6 and 7 to assist in sorting school supplies and on August 8 for the Back-to-School Rally. Information on volunteering, sponsorships, and exhibiting at the Rally may be found at  educateMC.net/backtoschoolrally .