New school supplies are a highlight of the first day of school for most students, and a Lawrence program wants to make sure no student’s first day is marked by the lack thereof.

When kids show up without the school supplies they need, that moment can have immediate and long-term impacts, said Kyle Roggenkamp, director of human services at Ballard Community Services, one of the program’s organizers.

“The program allows kids to not experience that moment,” he said. “To have the same starting point as other students.”

The program, Back2School, is organized by The Salvation Army of Douglas County, Ballard Community Services and ECKAN. The kits include school supplies, a backpack, as well as a pair of shoes for students sixth grade and below. While Roggenkamp expects about 1,200 students will apply, about 1,600 students in the district are eligible.

“We don’t want anyone not signing up because they’re feeling the stigma of reaching out for help,” Roggenkamp said, noting that he himself didn’t always have the proper school supplies growing up.

Families can apply for the program through July 31 at Penn House and The Salvation Army, and should bring proof of income (must be eligible for free/reduced-price school lunch), personal identification and each child’s Social Security Number.

Roggenkamp said that organizers have collected about half of the supplies they will need. Volunteers will be collecting donated supplies on July 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both Wal-Marts and Office Depot. Cash donations can also be made via The Salvation Army’s website.

Back2School has 10 sponsors, including the United Way, First Church and the Lawrence Rotary Club. Jim Evers, director of development at The Salvation Army, said the program is a communal effort.

“It really is a wonderful example of the community we live in coming together to help kids in need,” he said.