With classes out for the summer a lot of people don't have school on the brain.

But one local support group has it front and centre and wants to remind Foothills residents that families can now apply for their School Supply Program.

Coordinator at the Okotoks Family Resource Center, Sherri Mullen says partnering with Staples has been a huge attribute to the program.

"We've been running a program for a number of years called School Supply Program and we partner with Staples and they have been a great fundraiser for us. So people going to Staples to get their own things may be asked at the point of sale if they'd like to make a donation and those donations get turned right over to us and we are able to assist families in the foothills that have some financial needs with back to school cards for their kids."

Mullen says because everyone has such different school lists they found the best way of providing was a little different than usual.

"We don't actually supply provide the supplies. What we find works is to give families a gift card and they can go purchase their own supplies from their own list at Staples. A number of schools as well just charge families a school supply fee, so if a family goes to a school where that's the situation we will just pay that to the school on their behalf with donated funds."

Families with students in Kindergarten through to Grade 12 from Okotoks, De Winton, Black Diamond and Turner Valley are eligible to apply for the program if they qualify.

Though the Family Resource Center is accepting applications till the school year begins, Mullen says, "We don't have a limit to the number of kids but what we would like is for families to register as soon as possible so we can do our very best to raise the funds to support those families."

Foothills residents can also make donations directly to the center to help support other local families.

To see if you are able to qualify or to register for the School Supply Program call the Family Resource Center at 403-995-2626 or click here.