The 2014-2015 school year is quickly approaching and so is the financial burden that comes with preparing for it.

Fortunately, the Selma Police Department is conducting its annual Police Assisting with School Drive to raise money to fund school supplies for those who cannot afford it.

Those who can, should help the department reach its $1,000 goal.

We may not all have children in the school system, but everyone in this community should be considered family.

Therefore, we should help these children who have the potential to lead our community and even our nation one day.

With support from the community, the Selma Police Department can donate countless notebooks, pencils, backpacks, pens and other supplies listed on several school supply lists to children Saturday, Aug. 2 during the Back-to-school Festival/Cops and Kids Day.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bloch Park, students will be given a free ticket, which they will hand to officers in exchange for a backpack full of supplies.

Supplies will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Chief William Riley of the Selma Police Department said this program has served more than 1,000 children since it started five years ago.

Imagine the satisfaction we will feel and good we can do by helping 1,000 more. We, as a community, have the potential to help many others this school year, just by giving a little so that they can go to school with the supplies they need to be successful.

It’s time we all do more than just applaud those who make an effort to give back to the Dallas County community.

This is an easy way to make a big difference in the life of a local child.

Please send donations for the PASS Drive to the Selma Police Department, located on 1300 Alabama Ave., on or before Friday, July 31.

The deadline for checks is July 29.

For more information or to pick up school supplies, contact Selma Police Department’s Lt. Natasha Fowlkes at 874-5261 or 375-1554.