The Watertown Urban Mission, 247 Factory St., is collecting school supplies for children of needy families to use in the 2012-13 school year.

Director of Development Andrew G. Mangione said the mission saves backpacks and school supplies donated to the Impossible Dream Thrift Store year-round, but more are needed for needy families.

Last year, 850 children received free supplies.

The mission will accept any new school supplies, including backpacks, spiral notebooks, dry erase markers, pens, pencils, crayons, calculators and scissors. To donate, drop items off at the mission between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily through Friday or between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily in July and August. The store will also accept monetary donations.

A school supplies distribution day will occur in August.

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