This upcoming tax-free weekend is sure to bring out families hoping to take advantage of back-to-school deals, but Communities in Schools of Moore County (CIS) hopes shoppers will also help ensure that all local students have the right tools for the year.

The organization is urging shoppers to purchase extra school supplies and donate them to the Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive.

The annual initiative helps give children what they will need throughout the year by distributing supplies to schools in Moore County. Students can receive supplies by asking their guidance counselors for them.

CIS volunteers will be stationed outside of both Wal-Mart and Staples in Aberdeen collecting donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and 6 and from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 7.

The most desired items are pencils, notebook paper, back packs, and folders to keep assignments organized.

Additional supplies requested include: glue sticks, spiral notebooks, 1-inch binders, hand sanitizer, plastic bags in various sizes, disinfectant wipes, colored pencils, scissors, tissues, flat erasers.

The event is running in conjunction with the "Build A Back Pack" supply drive, which has been ongoing at Wal-Mart since July 17.

The retailer partnered with CIS this year to help raise money and generate more supply donations for organization.

Bins for donations to the "Build a Back Pack" campaign are located at the front of the store.

CIS' mission is to empower students to stay in school, learn and prepare for life. The organization tries to address the unmet needs of children by providing a link between educators and the community.

For more information about participating in or volunteering for Stuff the Bus and other CIS events, visit www.cismoore.org, or contact Cynthia Bradley at (910) 295-1072.