Can't resist those neat, fragrant boxes of No. 2 pencils or unsullied stacks of fresh composition books? Well, go ahead and buy a few for a good cause. Service groups and businesses are collecting school supplies for children in need. Here are two places to donate:

» Hard Rock Cafe, 1837 Kapiolani Blvd.: Supplies for homeless students can be dropped off through Aug. 16. Supplies needed include pencil boxes or pouches, backpacks, highlighters, notebooks, markers, crayons, loose leaf paper, erasers and pens.

» Kahala Mall, between Macy's and Longs: The Rotary Club of East Honolulu drive will benefit Palolo Elementary School. Donations of supplies and money will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 22-23. The school has requested pencils, ruled three-hole-punched paper, black-and-white composition books, rulers, backpacks and slippers sizes 8-11.