5 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

to pick up the supplies. When you do this, make a file folder called "School Supplies Donations," place a list of the business information of those who contributed. Ask the company if they would be willing to help next yeas as well. Add that information to the file, and next year follow up. Don't forget to make address labels, and send thank you notes to them for their kindness.

There is always the old stand-by, the basic fundraiser. You can search the Internet, do the research to find the best fundraiser for the school you want to represent. You can donate the initial cost of the fundraiser, and allow the PTA or PTO to conduct it. When you do the initial footwork, you make the decision to do the fundraiser a much simpler task for the officers of these organizations. There are fundraisers that have very small costs to initiate, and the results can be large amounts of money for school supplies. Remember, you can even share with the PTA/PTO officers what you would like the fundraiser to be used for. They may or may not go for it, but either way, the school becomes a winner.

You may have experience or skills that will contribute to the school's educational program. "You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give." Winston Churchill

Career Day is a great opportunity to offer your time and to share with the students some of the options that are out there for them when they graduate. You will usually have opportunity to speak in classes all day. This is both fun, and rewarding. The students will learn valuable information, and you might even stir up hope within them that they did not have before. You can even find a bank or medical company that has pencils and or pens that you can bring into the class as gifts.

Build a garden. If you have a green thumb, you can check with the school to see if you can help a group to build and grow a garden at the school. You can supply dirt and plants or seeds. This is very popular in the elementary and middle schools. There is no limit of lessons that can be taught to the students through this volunteer effort.

Help with a school play by helping to make costumes, set up the stage, work the sound, and much more. These teachers need all the help they can get. While you are at it, you might even be able to teach a student or two how to do your part next year.

There is really an unlimited number of ways to donate and contribute to the schools of your choice. It is worth repeating, If you want to donate to a school and don't know how, "Just do it." Be careful though, giving of yourself is very rewarding, and it is addictive. Go for the gold.

Learn more about this author, Ernest Smartt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to donate school supplies to a classroom in need?
We want to hear your view. Write now!