This weekend I took my daughter shopping for her back-to-school supplies.  Now that she is going into 7th grade, the list is mercifully shorter.  No more glue sticks, scissors or rulers.  But still, the list was long enough to rack up some serious dollars and cents.  And it got me thinking about those people who are not in a position to start fresh with all new supplies this year due to job loss or other economic pressures.  

So I started looking around online and sure enough, there are a number of organizations who are sponsoring back pack drives. (Just Google "back to school drives" for opportunities in your area.) Some are faith based; some aren't.  All will experience higher demand than ever before and could use our help.

But I also wonder how many families will struggle in silence, embarrassed to ask for a little extra help this year?  Think about people in your neighborhood, church or social circle who may be struggling a bit right now.  What could you do discretely to offer some support?  

One idea would be to do a supply swap.  Get the kids to round up their supplies from years past that are still in good shape and have a small get together to swap items.  Another idea is to prepare a back-to-school backpack full of like new items your child has outgrown or no longer uses and leave it at the front door of your neighbor's house with a short note that says "You've Been Blessed."  (it's a take off on the "You've Been Booed" treat bags left at doors during Halloween.)  Suggest that they pay the idea forward if they can by blessing someone else with a slightly worn backpack full of useful supplies.  

Do you have other suggestions for how to lend a helping hand this back-to-school season?