It's that time of year again -- there were a ton of back to school sale ads in the paper this weekend. We took advantage of the 1 cent folders, the 10 cent notebooks, the "buy a backpack, get supplies free" deals and ended up with a bunch of supplies. We have almost everything our kids need and a pile for me to take to the United Way later today or tomorrow.
That's where they are beginning to collect supplies for Running Start for School, a program that is run by the United Way, the school district, and other community agencies and businesses. Kids who qualify for free or reduced lunch can get a backpack and the paper, folders, pencils, markers, crayons, and all the stuff that really can be expensive for parents, especially when there are classroom contributions, new shoes and clothes, and all of the other expenses that come with kids and school.
So, another shameless plug for this program -- I have volunteered with them before, and the excitement of the kids as they fill their new backpacks and binders with glue, rulers, scissors and crayons is more than adequate payment for my time. Please visit this link -- there is more information on the program, how you can volunteer, and what items they need. There are drop off spots around town -- just look for the yellow logo above -- or you can drop stuff at the United Way. Give if you can -- your money, items you've purchased, or your time. It's important.
Thanks.
Just chiming in to say that almost all communities have a program like this, either through United Way or a similar organization, or directly through the school (my community). And school supplies can be had on the cheap right now, as Jennifer says...an often overlooked spot is Menard's (a hardware chain) where they sometimes have backpacks for $5 with a $4 rebate back to you. You can't miss with that, and then you can get even more to donate!
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