BY: RACHEL SMITH

 

As a kid, I used to love getting new school supplies.  Opening a fresh box of never-used crayons gave me goosebumps.  I’d spend hours lining up my notebooks, all color-coded for each subject before I organized them perfectly inside my new backpack with all the other supplies.

It was an anal-retentive OCD freaks wildest dreams come true.  (That’s me!!)

In just a few short weeks, it’ll be that time of year again.  Even now, as the parent, I’m a little giddy.  Being an excessive organizer, buying supplies and then crossing them off my list is more fun than going on vacation.

And yes… I’m well aware that I have issues.

But for some parents, back to school time may cause more stress and anxiety than others may realize.  For some, the added expense of school supplies, backpacks, shoes and clothes can be crippling to the monthly budget.  Not to mention, the rising cost of school lunch.

That’s why the Clear Lake Area Chamber is partnering with the Clear Lake Community Schools – to help!  This year, we are accepting monetary donations to assist the lunch program, as well as accepting school supplies.   The school will have a booth at Thursdays on Main on August 17th in front of the VFW, where you can drop off supplies and donations.  If that does not work, you can also take them to the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

To help with the lunch program, we welcome cash, checks or gift card donations to Fareway (food only) or Kwik Star (fuel only). You can also donate below via PayPal.

Any donation is much appreciated.  We need to pull together as a community for our children.  Sometimes in life, things happen that are out of our control.  As a parent, you don’t want your children to feel that burden.  In union, there is strength, but we need you, Clear Lake, to step up to the plate and help.  Without the stress and anxiety and struggle of worrying about supplies or if our children will get a decent lunch, our school can focus on education and the well-being of the children.

To get the full supplies list for the Middle School please go to www.clearlakeschools.org/registration or contact Patsy at the Chamber at 641-357-2159.

Donate today to the School Lunch Fund!