STATE COLLEGE — State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, is partnering with the State College YMCA and Centre County Pearls for the third annual Back-to-School Drive, which will collect school supplies for local students through Aug. 4.

Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, binders, pencils, pens, highlighters, scissors, glue sticks and other classroom essentials.

Donations may be dropped off at Takac’s district office, 216 W. Hamilton Ave., State College, during regular business hours or at the State College YMCA, 677 W. Whitehall Road.

The drive will conclude with a Back-to-School Cookout and Supply Distribution event from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at the State College YMCA. The event is open to Centre County children and families.

“This school supply drive, distribution and cookout event has become one of our favorite events of the year,” said Mary Elliott, district events coordinator for Takac. “By partnering with great organizations like the State College YMCA and Centre County Pearls, we’re able to expand our network to get kids the school supplies they need for success in their new school year.”

For more information, contact Takac’s district office at 814-308-0569 or the State College YMCA at (814) 237-7717.