The first day of school is just around the corner, but many Palolo Elementary School students can't afford to do much back-to-school shopping.

The Rotary Club of East Honolulu wants to make sure all students have what they need to learn and will be holding a collection drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Kahala Mall near Longs Drugs.

The school has asked in particular for pencils, black- and-white composition books, rulers and slippers in sizes 8 to 11.

Monetary donations will also be accepted; checks written to the East Honolulu Rotary Foundation can be mailed to P.O. Box 10401, Honolulu, HI 96816.