September Column: Back to School

This month I talk about ways to help kids start Back to School with the support they need: mind. money. time. Check it out:

Charity IN the City

(as printed in Atlanta INtown Newspaper)

As thousands of Atlanta children head back to school this fall, they will learn not just about math and spelling, but a seminal skill not found in textbooks – how to share. From time on the swings, books from the library, to the bathroom hall pass, the school environment imparts lessons about sharing in many subtle ways.

Do you remember how great it felt when the teacher praised you for sharing? Wasn’t that the best?

Well, we can achieve that same feeling as adults by helping someone in need – and there are many needs to be met in Atlanta. As I see it, there are three main ways to share as adults: time, money and wisdom. Every citizen has the capability to share in one or more of these ways. In the spirit of the new school year, I’m offering some examples of how we can share that help the youth in our community.

Share your time: With Atlanta’s public schools facing tightened budgets, volunteers are more valuable than ever. There are several ways in which to share your time with students in school. You can volunteer as a teacher’s aide, in the library or on the playground. You can find out more about volunteering in the schools by visiting the community section of the Atlanta’s Public School’s Web site www.atlantapublicschools.us.

Share your mind: Mentoring a young person can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Whether it’s helping out with homework or with life skills, lending your wisdom and advice to a child can empower him or her to be successful in and out of the classroom. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (www.bbbsatl.org) is a fantastic program that helps match you with a child who can benefit from your guidance.

Share your money: Many kids start the school year ill-equipped with the necessary supplies. Kids In Need, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, provides new free school supplies for teachers in low-income schools. The following items are always needed: pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, spiral notebooks, and rulers. You can contact the Kids in Need Project Director for more information at kin@acfb.org or by calling (678) 553-5948.

As we grow up, life can get more complicated.  Sharing is an easy and rewarding way to keep it simple.