APPLETON — J. J. Keller Foundation Inc. will match up to $10,000 of incoming donations during the final week of The Post-Crescent's "Backpacks for Kids" Do It! Community Challenge, which has been extended.

People now have until Aug. 30 to contribute funds to the 16th annual campaign, which helps provide basic school supplies to students who can't afford them. The campaign, which kicked off July 24, originally was scheduled to run through Tuesday.

"What a great way to double your contribution," said Dan Flannery, The P-C's executive editor. "A $10 donation automatically becomes $20, thanks to the Keller Foundation. We hope that in the week before schools open around the Fox Valley, more of our readers and community partners will come through with donations to help area students start the year with the proper supplies."

By Friday, the campaign had brought in community contributions totaling $18,420, which is about 61 percent of the $30,000 goal amount.

"When we read that the backpack campaign hadn't hit its goal with only a week to go, it concerned us. Think about the kids who might have to return to school without the bare necessities — that's just not acceptable. So, we offered the challenge — you raise $10,000 more and we'll match it," said Mary Harp-Jirschele, J. J. Keller Foundation's executive director. "We love matching grants because they make people to feel like they're doubling their gift — which they are. We hope the full $10,000 is matched and the campaign not only hits, but exceeds the goal."

Human service agencies in Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca and Winnebago counties identify families in need with youth who can benefit from the campaign. This year, 2,680 students will receive the supplies, which include backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks and folders.

JanSport in Greenville has donated 650 backpacks to the campaign. School Specialty, also in Greenville, donated a portion of the supplies and provided the rest at a reduced cost.

The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region is assisting with the collection of monetary donations from the community for the campaign.

"This community is very fortunate to have the Keller Foundation in its midst, and The P-C is very fortunate to have its partnership on community needs," Flannery said. "The goal for the final week of the campaign is significant, but the generosity of the Keller Foundation puts it within reach. We're very thankful for their support."