| Vacations, late nights, sleeping in, and hours of playing | | | | should not have to do it alone. Ask a school or teacher |
| video games each day are about to end for many | | | | what you can do. It might be helping to organize a |
| children. These events will soon be replaced with | | | | room. It might be to support the school library. It might |
| meeting new and old friends, a daily schedule, sports | | | | even be to help plan a school event. There are many |
| and homework. It happens every year for many kids | | | | ways you can contribute your time and be a |
| when school starts. Some children look forward to the | | | | tremendous help. |
| new school year. Others wish it would never happen. | | | | * Donate School Supplies. The cost of school supplies |
| August is National Back to School Month and a good | | | | can be a major burden on some families. Consider |
| time to think about how you might give back to make | | | | donating money for school supplies or purchasing |
| this the best school year ever for at least one student. | | | | school supplies that will help one or more of these |
| Consider the following ways to help and then start | | | | wonderful families. |
| thinking of other unique ways you can contribute: | | | | * Adopt a College Student. Many college students do |
| * Donate clothing. If you have children in your house, | | | | not live at home. They do not have the benefit of their |
| now would be a great time to find clothes that no | | | | own family near them everyday. For most, it is the first |
| longer fit. Donate them to a family in need or local | | | | time they are away from home and their friends for a |
| charity. If your kids attend a school that wears | | | | significant amount of time. Why don't you "adopt" a |
| uniforms, consider providing the uniforms to the school | | | | college student. Invite him or her to a home-cooked |
| where they can put them to the best use. | | | | meal from time to time. Provide them a space they |
| * Be a Tutor. My son is learning things at his age that I | | | | can get away from the campus. |
| was not taught until later years. This is great for those | | | | The number of ways you can help students during the |
| that are able to grasp the concepts. However, there | | | | school year is unlimited. Seriously think about one or |
| are some that need additional help outside the | | | | more ways you can make a difference in their lives |
| classroom. Consider being a volunteer tutor. | | | | this year. Don't stop at just thinking of a great idea. |
| * Be a Teacher's Aide. Teachers have a significant | | | | Make it a reality. The benefits you receive from doing |
| responsibility. I am thankful for those that teach. They | | | | it just might surprise you. |