Donations to Operation Backpack are being accepted at Wagga Marketplace

Wagga Marketplace office manager Ally Mullins has put out this year's annual Operation Backpack donation box in the centre and is urging those who can support the drive.

"Operation Backpack will help to alleviate this strain for families who are already experiencing hardship and disadvantage," she said.

The initiative is in partnership with St Vincent de Paul Society and calls for necessary school items including lunch boxes, backpacks, exercise books, pencil cases, glue and other stationery items.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW chief executive officer Jack de Groot said the initiative will give children a "fair start" to the new school year.

And, its launch comes this year at a time more crucial than ever.

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"More than ever, we are seeing increasing financial pressures on families and many will struggle to afford the costs of essential school materials," Mr Groot said.

Wagga Marketplace community marketing manager Jacqueline McCulloch said the simple action is significant to those in need.

"While donating an exercise book or pencil case might seem like such a small gesture to many, it will make the world of difference to families who may be experiencing financial hardship," she said.

"Over the years, our community has always supported Operation Backpack and we cannot thank everyone enough for the continued kindness and generosity residents have shown towards families in need."

Mrs Mullins said any item, large and small, will be greatly appreciated.

All donated items will be evenly distributed to local families by St Vincent de Paul Society volunteers, in time for the start of the 2022 school year.

Donations to Operation Backpack are accepted from Monday, January, to Wednesday, January 19.

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