Interfaith Ministries will accept applications through July 30 to assist 50 additional schoolchildren through its annual Apple Tree Project.

This year, Interfaith Ministries and its partners are looking to provide school supplies, a backpack, two sets of clothing and a $25 gift card for new shoes for about 1,200 students in the Denton school district. So far, nearly 1,150 students in kindergarten through 12th grade have been signed up for program assistance, officials said.

The organization also is seeking community donors to adopt a child prior to Aug. 21, distribution day for the Apple Tree Project. Last year’s drive helped 1,073 students.

For nine years, the Apple Tree Project — with help from community donors — has assisted Denton students with necessities for returning to school in the fall. All program beneficiaries must meet U.S. poverty guidelines or qualify for the school district’s free and reduced lunch program.

“It’s important for Denton because this is a unique program that allows Denton to make an individual investment in these children,” said Ann Pape, coordinator of the project. “It’s a definite encouragement to the families that Denton cares.”

Every year, there are families in Denton that struggle to find the money to send their children back to school with necessary supplies and clothing that fits, she said. With community support, Pape said, children return to classes with a self-esteem boost.

Sharon Cox, a spokeswoman for the Denton school district, said the Apple Tree Project has helped thousands of students build confidence and excitement for their first day of school. Residents’ generosity in donating to the effort has helped children with the greatest needs, she said.

For more information, call Interfaith Ministries at 940-565-5479. Residents interested in donating can visit an Apple Tree host site.

BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com .

To adopt a child in Interfaith Ministries’ Apple Tree Project, donors select a child and purchase two sets of school clothing. For more information, visit www.ifmdenton.org. The following are partner site locations where donors can adopt a child and bring donations by July 31:

• Interfaith Ministries of Denton

• Borman Elementary School

• Church of Celebration Metro

• Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

• DATCU

• Denton County Probate Court

• Denton Police Department

• Denton Regional Medical Center

• Denton ISD Annex

• Denton ISD Central Services

• First Christian Church

• First Presbyterian Church

• First United Bank

• First United Methodist Church

• Good Samaritan Village

• Harvest Metropolitan Community Church

• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

• Singing Oaks Church of Christ

• The Spinal Decompression Center

• St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

• St. David’s Episcopal Church

• St. Mark Catholic Church

• St. Paul Lutheran Church

• Tetra Pak

• Trinity United Methodist

• Trinity Presbyterian Church

• Unity Church of New Hope

• University of North Texas