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