The buses aren’t driving children to school yet, but two local 15-year-olds are raising money so local elementary students have all the supplies they need when they get off the bus the first day of school.

Randi Johnson and Whitney Rasmussen started Book Bags for Kids to raise money to buy backpacks for Albert Lea elementary students. They’re looking for area residents and business to donate $25 to buy one backpack and fill it with school supplies.

Rasmussen said they first had the idea while attending Good Earth Village, a Christian camp in Spring Valley.

“We both went to mission trips this year, and it kind of opened our eyes to how people need more, “ Johnson said.

“We wanted to do something more unique. Everybody knows kids need winter jackets and shoes, but no one really know how much supplies they can’t afford. They’re pretty expensive now. They’re asking for a lot,” Johnson added.

After starting by getting donations with friends and family over the weekend, the two are planning to stop by about 50 businesses this week to ask for donations. Johnson said they raised $800 on Tuesday.

Steve Field, manager of Home Solutions Midwest, bought one backpack. He said he was impressed by their initiative.

“They’re helping kids,” Field said. “They’re the ones who are out doing it and collecting.”

Rasmussen and Johnson said they plan to continue seeking donations as long as possible. They will give them to the Albert Lea School District.

“It’s going to be really cool seeing kids step off the bus with the backpack you supplied,” Johnson said.

People interested in donating can call Rasmussen and Johnson at 377-0487. One backpack is $25.