A local organization that aims to provide emergency assistance and morale boosts to Hawai'i's military families intends this summer to distribute more than 10,000 bags of school supplies.

Operation Homefront of Hawaii is collecting the supplies at five O'ahu Lex Brodie's locations. The items will be used to fill backpacks that will be given to military families before school starts for the 2007-08 year.

The organization is requesting: spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, notebook paper, rulers, colored pencils, calculators and erasers. Donations drop-offs are at Lex Brodie's in Honolulu, Kane'ohe, Waipahu, Kalihi and Pearlridge.

Operation Homefront of Hawaii is a grassroots, volunteer-based group that helps active duty, Guard and Reserve troops and their families. Vickie Carriello, former president of an Operation Homefront chapter in Mississippi, launched the local group after being relocated here last year.

Operation Homefront also helps military personnel with auto repairs as well as repairs tied to home maintenance and appliances. In addition, the group coordinates donations for used vehicles, and provides moving-related and transportation assistance. There are 31 chapters nationwide.

To register or to receive school supplies, call Operation Homefront of Hawaii at (866) 569-9185 or e-mail Hawaii@operationhomefront.net.

Families may also register online for supplies at www.operationhomefront.net/Chapter_root/chapter_index.asp?Chapter_ID=7.