The same week in which we celebrate Independence Day — less than a month, believe it or not, since last school year ended — may seem like it’s way too early to be talking about school supplies.

But alas, there’s less than a month until Virginia’s sales tax holiday on school supplies and clothing, and less than two months until the kids go back to school, and probably only a few precious seconds left before the retailers start putting out their back-to-school items.

Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s a vicious cycle.

However, it’s never too early to start collecting donations for school supply drives for youngsters whose families may not be able to afford to purchase all of the necessities themselves.

Some of those families in need are those with children who have a parent incarcerated. Quniana Futrell, founder and executive director of Building Resilience in Communities, is passionate about helping these young people. She came from a family with incarcerated parents herself, so she knows what it’s like and is working hard, as the name of her organization suggests, to build resilience in young people so they will not continue the cycle of incarceration in their communities.

The organization has partnered with The MAN Foundation for the second year in a row. They have a goal of serving 100 children with parents incarcerated in either Western Tidewater Regional Jail, located in Suffolk, or Hampton Roads Regional Jail.

The event is set for Aug. 18 to hand out the school supplies, but collections already are under way.

We encourage everyone to support this worthwhile endeavor. Whether you are a business owner that can place a collection box at your business or a citizen that can donate supplies or money or volunteer on the day of the event, these worthy organizations are looking for you.

Call 598-4272 or email info@brcinc.com.