School Supplies

Every year in July, the stores roll out notebooks, backpacks, markers, and all of the other things a young mind needs to learn. Most of us remember how exciting it was to start out a new school year with fresh boxes of crayons and a new lunchbox with the latest Hollywood star. The best thing about this suggestion is that it only takes a backpack filled with under twenty dollars worth of school supplies to get a young person excited about learning.

A quick internet search provided a lot of options.  You can choose whether you want your donation to benefit an individual student or if you want to donate to an entire classroom.  You can also donate your used supplies when you buy new ones.  Many stores even have bins set out to collect supplies.  In Hutchinson, the mall is collecting supplies.  They are collecting supplies for the Salvation Army.

Today the average teacher spends over $350 out of their own pocket on supplies for their classroom.  We all know that teachers can't afford to do this but they see the benefits everyday in their classroom.  The teachers who teach in the lowest socio-economic schools have the lowest classroom budgets and few options for acquiring supplies.  They desperately need help to do their jobs.  If you know a teacher, offer to help.  If you don't know any teachers, there are websites that can connect you to those in need.  One website,  Donors Choose, allows you to peruse the wishlists in teachers of all subjects from across the United States.  Teachers post details about their lessons and include a request for the materials that are required.  Donors Choose collects donations in any amount and keeps track of how much has been collected.  When a teacher hits their goal amount, the supplies are delivered to the classroom.  You choose the amount, it can be as little as $1 if you want to spread your dollars out.  And you choose the recipient.  Those who donate more than fifty dollars receive thank you notes.

I gave because I have a friend who is teaching art at a Navajo Reservation.  When she arrived for her first day, she found out that the art room had no supplies and there was no budget to purchase any.  Imagine an art class where the students only have pencils and paper.  How can you teach about color or texture or any of the other concepts in art?  My friend is one of the most creative teachers I know but even a great teacher is stymied when there are no supplies.  The supplies I sent were not much, but they can offer some variety and give young elementary students the lessons they deserve.

http://www.donorschoose.org/

Donate Your Hair

Why?

People who have cancer or other conditions such as alopecia areata, or burns that cause their hair to fall out often use wigs.  Wigs can be expensive and those made with synthetic hair can look too fake to make the person feel less insecure about their hair loss.  Also, wigs are made for adults and rarely fit children correctly.  Growing out your hair might be something you are doing anyway.  If you are thinking about cutting it, consider donating your hair to someone whose self-esteem will be boosted by your beauty and kindness.

How?

There are many charities that collect hair donations.  Do some research and find out which charities you feel best about giving to.  One of the most prominent is Locks of Love.  The organization was started by a woman whose young daughter suffered from alopecia areata.  Their mission is to provide hairpieces for children under 21 who cannot afford them.  The cost of each hairpiece is determined with a sliding fee based on income.  Their website includes a list of guidelines for hair donations.  You can also download a form and send it to the address provided.  If you want things to be even easier, Locks of Love works with many salons, including Great Clips.

My Experience

My hair had gotten long, down past my chest.  When hair gets that long it requires a lot of maintenance.  I was spending a lot more on shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care products.  It took forever for my hair to dry after showering or swimming.  And I felt that with long hair, there was a limited number of ways that I could style my hair.  When I realized that I was wearing my hair in a ponytail or bun almost everyday, I decided it was time for a shorter hairstyle.  You can cut your hair at home but I wanted to make sure that I loved my hair after it was cut.  It is also easier for a professional to keep track of all of the guidelines for donating your hair.  I found a hairstylist that I really like at the local Great Clips.  I discussed my plan with her and she knew exactly what I wanted.  The stylist brushed my hair into four ponytails.  She gave me one last chance to change my mind and then began cutting.  When she was done I had two ponytails that were about 14 inches long and two that were 11 inches long.  And I felt a lot lighter.  My new hairstyle is a layered bob that is stacked in the back and I love it!!!

http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html
http://www.greatclips.com/about-us/charities/locks-of-love