A local charity orginization is taking applications to provide required school supplies to eligible families with children attending school this fall.

The Embarass River Basin Association, located at 825 18th Street in Charleston, is working with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs and the Community Services Block Grant to provide materials on school supplies lists for grades K-8.

The ERBA is also accepting applications for a scholarship to aid students interested in going to college. The scholarship is for 500 dollars and anyone is welcome to apply.

Applicants, accepted on a first come, first serve basis, must show need by way of thier gross income within the last 90 days. Income levels must be at least 150 percent below poverty level.

Applicants must provide proof of family income and a social security card for each member of the family at the time of application. The ERBA is also encouraging single parents who are in school to apply.

According to the family and community development specialist, Debbie Martin from the ERBA, this year funding is a little short.

“We’re working with other agencies for more supplies,” Marin said.

The Civic Association is supplying tennis shoes, Crayola Crayons, and other school supplies while the Clothing Depot is allowing parents to pick out an outfit for the child and other necessities such as underwear.

Martin said the program is still in need of backpacks asking anyone with an extra backpack to donate to the ERBA.

Martin said the program stays busy serving Charleston, Mattoon, Lerna, Oakland, and Humboldt.

“Last year we had 57 families,” Martin said.

For applications or more information on the school supplies or the scholarship, call 345-4840.