The Douglas County East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation, or ECKAN, is accepting applications to provide school supplies in August for families in need.

The agency will accept applications for the 2010-2011 school year beginning Tuesday until July 23. Last year ECKAN served 270 Douglas County low-income students.

To qualify, families must live in Douglas County and fall at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. A family of two earning $26,955 would qualify. It’s $33,874 for a family of three and $40,793 for a family of four.

Applications are available at the ECKAN Center, 2518 Ridge Court.

Distribution for families who qualify will be the first week of August at the ECKAN-Just Food warehouse, 1200 E. 11th St.

The agency is also seeking donations of school supplies or money to purchase supplies. Checks or cash sent to the center, 2518 Ridge Court, Lawrence, KS, 66046, need to clearly identify they are for school supplies.

Anyone with questions can call Jared Barton, ECKAN’s interim human services coordinator, at 785-841-3357.