While many of us are getting up early to do our yard work, or vacuuming the pool so we can enjoy a few laps right after lunch, the thoughts of teachers and students are already focusing on the next few weeks. Schools will be opening for the next semesters and it seems like they just closed for the summer!

Stores are having special sales for clothing, school supplies, and shoes, not to mention uniforms for band, sports activities or parochial school uniforms. Tv ads are already touting the newest fads in wearing apparel and many organizations are beginning their back pack events or collecting the much needed supplies to help teachers offset some of the expenses of running a classroom.

Here at the Lehigh Acres VFW, Post 4174, we have a huge carton waiting to be the recipient of any school donations. We try to help supplement the schools closest to our community. We are fortunate that we have a Walmart close by which has a great “Back to School” aisle. They have been offering this for many years now. The prices for many of the items are well within any budget, so when you’re there, grab a few items in your cart, then drop them off at our Post, located at 25 S. Homestead Road.

One of the most important things of the items needed is copy paper, as many reams are used by all grades throughout the entire school year. Pens, pencils, notebooks, dry erase markers, rulers, Elmer’s glue, sani wipes, tissue paper packs, and back packs are just a few more things necessary to help out.

Our veterans might not want to actually do some shopping, so they give a cash donation. Part of one of our community projects is the assisting of scholars and all of our members step up in some way. We actually end up having to empty our large carton several times to make room for the donations that pour in.

If you have a spare dollar or two, grab some school supplies, drop them off at our post. You’ll be glad you did!