GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Fox V.O.I.C.E. and Huntington Bank will be collecting new backpacks and school supplies in Grand Rapids at 27 locations from Monday, Aug. 1 to Saturday, Aug. 13 for the Grand Rapids Public Schools.

According to 2011 Huntington research, school supplies costs add up to about $530 per child per year in elementary school, $545 in middle school -- a 25% jump over last year -- and $1,094 in high school. Donations will be accepted during open business hours at the Grand Rapids Griffins' front office located at Van Andel Arena, all 67 Huntington Bank locations and all 21 Fox Motors dealership locations. For a complete list of locations and school information, please visit www.dpfox.com/thefoxvoice/fall2011.html.

"A number of students enter the school year without the school supplies needed," stated Dan DeVos, DP Fox Ventures president & CEO. “We want to help the children of western and northern Michigan start this school year off right and hope that our community will join us and Huntington Bank, to make this a successful school year for the children."

"Huntington is grateful for the generosity and support of our partners for this critical effort,” said Jim Dunlap, senior executive vice president for Huntington Bank. “Huntington employees distribute these backpacks every year and look forward to helping Michigan children be prepared for school.”