Editor:

Each year, citizens and local groups touch the lives of young students through generous donations of school supplies for those in need. This year will be extra tough for some children with parents out of work and for parents having trouble paying their bills.

On behalf of Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation, I would like to thank everyone in our community who assisted in the WPMI/Wal-Mart Tools for Schools. FEEF participated in the Fairhope distribution of these supplies, which were purchased by caring area citizens. FEEF volunteers spent a morning sorting notebook paper, glue, binders, crayons, pencils, markers and scissors, etc., and then happily jumped in cars to deliver the boxes to each of the six schools in our feeder pattern.

There are many kinds of compassionate acts that come forward in a time of crisis. It is imperative to remember that our local teachers have had a complete cutback in supply money from the state. As our community works together to support the needs of children, please bear in mind that our teachers are also in need of supplies to effectively and happily teach a classroom full of the more than usual students. Two of the numerous and important supplies teachers are saying they require are ink cartridges and copy paper. In most of the area schools, you may help by writing a check directly to the school where an account may even be set up for a particular teacher. No amount is too small. In this way, you may personally assist with one teacher’s wishes throughout the school year. Another way to provide help is to give to each school’s general account to assist the entire school and to provide equity among the teachers. Your thoughtfulness matters. It is inspiring when a local community willingly supports the education of our most important asset, our children.

FEEF executive director