The Niles Salvation Army has been helping prepare children for school with its annual backpack program.

Scott Lolmaugh, volunteer coordinator, said very few people have signed up to receive backpacks, which contain school supplies. The Salvation Army gave out 175 backpacks last year and is hoping to give out around 200 this year.

As of Friday, only 45 people had signed up for the program.

“I am surprised by how low it is,” Lolmaugh said. “It only leaves folks awhile to get signed up.”

The Niles Salvation Army, is scheduled to hand out backpacks Aug. 20 at its office, 424 N. 15th, Niles. Handout times are from 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Lolmaugh said people can sign up until all the backpacks are handed out Aug. 20.

To sign up, stop by the office during normal business hours and bring a picture identification, social security cards for the kids and proof of what school the kids will be attending This can be a report card from last year or a letter stating what class they will be in this year.

The program is offered for students grades 1-12.