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SUMTER, S.C. (AP) -- A Sumter group is kicking off its annual effort to collect school supplies for children in need.

The Item of Sumter reports that United Ministries of Sumter is starting to collect items including book bags, glue sticks and binders on Monday.

The group says it hopes to pack 1,800 book bags full of supplies for kids in need this week and next week. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Last year, the group created more than 1,800 school kits and donated an additional 355 book bags to Sumter's two school districts.

Volunteers are sorting and stuffing the bags later this month. The school district picks up the filled bags Aug. 5.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)