September 03, 2008

Back to School With the Right Tools

Throughout the country, the beginning of August brings a plethora of newspaper advertisements that feature school supplies – Back-to-School is big-business and in the current economy presents major problems for many, many families that are struggling to make ends meet. We were impressed with the "deals" being offered by retailers…crayons for a penny a box, 8 notebooks for a dollar, markers, rulers, pens, pencils…all offered at a fraction of their original cost. We were fortunate to know someone who saw the benefit of being a "smart shopper" and sent them off to see just how much they could buy with $500 in their pocket. By all accounts (including the "miles" of register tape that documented their shopping spree) you can do quite a bit of shopping with that amount of money.

The recipient of this bounty was a non-profit that had recently had its entire budget for these items cut by 100%…in other words, without our contribution they would have had little or nothing to use in the coming months. Knowing that, made their note (which arrived today) particularly meaningful…

… we thank you all and your fellow supporters for your generous donation of school supplies, shared with our pediatric patients and families. The donation of pencils, pens, scissors, highlighters, glue and glue sticks, scotch tape, crayons, folders, notebook paper and loose leaf paper, and pencil boxes was just AMAZING!

As you already know, many children and families who come to our hospital for care are in need of these items this time of year. We are often asked to help families by sharing such resources, and being able to do so is so very appreciated by those in need. It is because of people like you and your supporters that make this possible, and for that we are very grateful!