The YWCA is seeking donated backpacks and school supplies to distribute to more than 1,000 students participating in YWCA programs aiding families who are homeless, jobless or striving for self-sufficiency.

There are several ways to participate in the program:

* Sponsor a student and use your personal touch to shop for a backpack and school supplies.

* Let the YWCA do the shopping by donating $40 to cover the costs of a new backpack filled with school supplies for one student.

* Get friends, family and co-workers together to sponsor a child or do a drive to collect school supplies.

Sponsors should contact the YWCA by Friday, Aug. 8, and all donations should be delivered to the YWCA by Friday, Aug. 20, so students can receive their new items before the first day of school.

To sign up or for more information, visit the Web site at www.ywcaworks.org or contact Brenda McCallon, 425-556-1354.