How can I help children in school?

It is all about mentoring and resources. In our community, interested adults are needed to help in a variety of programs offered through schools, churches and government and community organizations.

Alachua Elementary School needs tutors to help third graders every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. during the school year. This is primarily a reading tutoring. For more information, contact Ted at 352-562-3939 to see how you can help.

Kids Count in Alachua County is another program that helps elementary age children with after school programs within schools and within outside host sites, such as churches and community organizations. For more information contact "Ward Simonton ":ward_simonton@bellsouth.net or at 352-372-7821.

Foster Grandparents is a way to share your love, time and experience. If you are 60 or older and want to share, this program may be you. You help children learn to read, provide one-on one tutoring and guide children at critical times in their lives. Foster Grandparents serve up to 40 hours per week. Some volunteers may qualify to earn a tax-free, hourly stipend. For more information contact Norma at 352-264-6731.

Tools for Schools is a reusable resource center located in Alachua County, providing new and reusable items to Alachua County Public School teachers at no cost. You can help! How many of us have a drawer that we put pens and pencils that we have collected from conferences and events? Instead of putting them in the landfill, collect them and give them away. Last year, I saw notebook paper on sale — ten packs for $1. My $5 bought 50 packs to give to this valuable resource center. If you are a business that is changing logos and has office supplies, this is a great place to donate your items instead of sending them to the landfill. By donating your recyclable office materials, you help the environment and the teachers of Alachua County. For more information, contact the Alachua County Waste Management Division 352-374-5213.

The next time you see a garage sale or a carwash for your local school, stop! Your few dollars help kids develop their entrepreneurial skills, support the causes that are important to them and increase their likelihood of volunteering in the future. §

For more information on volunteer opportunities please contact Pat Bellis at pjbellis@havenhospice.org.

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