Western Kentucky University is getting a chance to give something back to the community this summer.

Throughout July, WKU is collecting new and gently used children’s books and school supplies for United Way’s Day of Caring.

Items for the drive can be dropped off at the Student Activities office at the Downing University Center in room 326.

On the Day of Caring, July 27, volunteers at WKU will stuff children’s backpacks with the donated books and supplies. The backpacks will be distributed to children in need across Bowling Green and Warren County.

United Way’s Day of Caring wants to mobilize communities to volunteer for a greater good. The day will include various projects across surrounding counties, such as landscape beautification, painting, construction and other donation drives.

For more information about the Day of Caring, visit the United Way’s website at www.liveunited.org.

Mindy Johnson, the assistant director of Student Activities, says this project will give WKU’s summer faculty and staff the opportunity to volunteer.

“We decided to host the donation site here because people can give back right at their backdoor without having to leave campus,” Johnson said.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help stuff backpacks or pick up donated children’s books can contact Johnson at (270) 745-2060 or mindy.jonhson@wku.edu.