Apple trees began sprouting in a number of local businesses Friday, all in need of members of the community to pick from them.

The trees are part of the annual “learning tree” project established by members of the International Falls Rotary Club and the Evangelical Covenant Church in an effort to help needy families in Koochiching County with school supply and clothing needs.

Each paper apple hanging from the trees belongs to a Borderland student and has a list of necessary school supplies needed to make the fast-approaching academic year a success.

“Last year, we helped 153 kids in the community,” said Joe Nikolanci, one of the project’s coordinators. “This year, we’re hoping to help the same, if not more students.”

Nikolanci said learning trees can be found at Super One, City Drug, United HealthCare, Chocolate Moose, Hardee’s, Rainy Lake Medical Center, Shannon Square and the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Kids ages 5 to 17 are eligible to participate in the program, and Nikolanci said there is still room for more. Parents can still register students by filling out an application located at KOOTASCA, Friends Against Abuse, Koochiching Family Services, the Minnesota WorkForce Center, The Salvation Army, and Northland Counseling Center.

“We really take this experience to heart,” said Ashley Kostiuk, who also helped with the program. “We also encourage shoppers to shop locally and help the community.”

Shoppers have until 5 p.m. Aug. 17 to drop off their purchases at the location where they took a tag from. Once all the items are collected, families can pick up their supplies at the Evangelical Covenant Church located at 1631 First Ave. E. in the Falls.

Kostiuk explained the distribution date is set before schools host an open house so that students can bring their supplies with them before the first day of school.

In addition, Nikolanci said the distribution will be a little more eventful this year.

“The Awana Club will be sponsoring an ice cream booth for the kids,” he said. “We just wanted to make getting their backpacks and supplies a little more exciting this year.”

Nikolanci said the project’s organizers appreciate each contribution made toward this cause. People may also drop off supplies or a donation at any of the drop-off locations. Monetary donations should be made out to Rotary, P.O. Box 47, International Falls, MN 56649.

“We just want kids to have a good school experience,” Nikolanci concluded. “We want them to be equipped with the supplies they need. We want them to fit in.”