School supplies such as backpacks, rulers, notebooks, pens and pencils are being collected for children in need. (photo courtesy of Huntington Meats)

To ensure students have everything they need when classes start, Huntington Meats at the Original Farmers Market is holding its second annual Back-To-School School Supply Drive in July, benefiting children at the Union Rescue Mission.

People are encouraged to donate at Huntington Meats and its sister shop, Farmers Market Poultry, which is also located at the Farmers Market. The goal is to collect enough supplies for 600 children.

“We did a pajama drive to begin with and that really took off, so we created the school supplies drive last year,” said Jim Cascone, owner of Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry. “I really think it’s important. These kids don’t have a mom or dad to ask for a new backpack or other things for school that many of us take for granted. I’m trying to step up and make sure they have what they need.”

Customers who donate new school supplies valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary pound of ground beef or homemade sausages from Huntington Meats, or a pound of ground chicken or ground turkey from Farmers Market Poultry. Backpacks, rulers, pens, pencils, crayons, paper, markers, sharpeners, calculators, notebooks, scissors, erasers, lunch boxes and water bottles are among the items sought during the drive, which runs through July 31.

“Our goal is to try make school days a little more exciting for those kids that may be experiencing homelessness or are members of a family that just don’t have the means to purchase new school supplies for their little ones,” head butcher Jon Escobedo added. “We want to do our part to make sure that kids in need in Los Angeles have the best start to the upcoming school year.”

The shops are located at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St. Huntington Meats is located in Stall 350 and Farmers Market Poultry is in Stall 216.

For information and a list of school supplies needed, visit huntingtonmeats.com and huntingtonmeats.com/school-supply-drive.