Many easy ways to support local schools

Over the last nine years, I have learned many easy ways to help benefit the Lakeside/Somers schools without spending more money then I normally would. Even now that my daughter has moved on to high school, I find that supporting these schools is an easy thing to do.

I always knew about the Box Tops for Education program, but had no idea how fast they added up. The Campbell's Labels for Education program offers points that help the schools order extra necessary school items. For example, we sponsored our music and gym program through the Campbell's labels program one year.

Then I learned about other programs. There are the Tyson Project A+ program where each label is worth 24 cents, the recycling of the computer printer ink cartridges, and the Smith's and Albertsons store cards where you can have your school added to your card, you still get your savings and a percent of the money you spend goes to your specified school.

The newest program I have learned about is with the Coca-Cola products. On the lids from the plastic pop bottles and on the opening to the cartons there is a code. That code adds up points that can be used to obtain items for your school of choice. If your school isn't registered, it walks you through on how to do so.

One other project that I personally started is going through and doing some of my spring cleaning. I am finding notebooks that are no longer used, color crayons that are tossed to the wayside, rulers that my daughter no longer uses, miscellaneous markers, colored pencils, etc. I have taken these items to the school. Other craft items that I no longer use such as yarn, paints, construction paper, wax or other art project items go to the school as well. I'm glad to have learned that the little things I donate to the school help and I am glad to pass them on. Please be assured that anything you share is greatly appreciated by the school of your choice.

Stevens is a resident of Lakeside.