The 2011 Vashon PTSA Back-to-School Drive

Dear neighbor,

We are writing in hope that you will be able to help contribute to the Back-to-School Drive. We know times are tough all over, and wish we didn’t have to ask yet again for our amazingly generous neighbors to help us out. But alas, we are asking for you to once again help us in giving Vashon kids a wonderful start to their school year this year.

The economy has hit everyone this summer, but can you imagine how it is hitting you if you are out of your job? Or working as hard as you can but barely making ends meet, between gas prices and just putting food on the table? Try making enough money to also buy school supplies for your children -- it’s a great challenge for many of our neighbors every fall, and this year the challenge will be even harder to meet.

Last year you were very generous. In fact, we raised more than $3,200 in cash donations from this community. And that’s in addition to hundreds of dollars worth of donated backpacks, calculators and much more. It is very easy to help -- all you need to do is respond to this email, and we will get you information on how to donate to the drive, which is sponsored by the Vashon PTSA.

If you donate just $250, you will be listed as our sponsor in The Beachcomber and all of our materials. Of course, you can give more than that amount too!The money we raise goes towards buying school supplies, which we distribute through the Food Bank. This year, we will be giving out supplies at the Food Bank on Wednesday, August 24th.

How you can help:

CONTRIBUTE MONEY: email us and let us know that you are willing to donate $250 or more and you will be listed as a sponsor of this year’s drive. We will get you tax deductible information and a mailing address or drop-off location We need to know our sponsors AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, so please let us know as soon as you can. If you cannot donate $250 and be an official sponsor, all donations are welcome, too! If you would rather just donate right now, you can drop a check to "Vashon PTSA School Drive" at Movie Magic, or mail it directly to us at P.O. Box 2364, Vashon ,WA 98070.

VOLUNTEER: let us know if you can volunteer to take a shift at Thriftway, asking for donations. We also need volunteers for distribution on the 24th at the Food Bank, and for set-up the day before. Please contact Coriel Reilly-Silkett at csilkett@gmail.com.

There are families out there you can help. And, for just $250 dollars, you can make a big difference to children in your community. You can give them the most amazing feeling of starting the school year on par with their peers ... a fresh start.

After all, isn’t that really what every child deserves each year when they go back to school?

Thanks again for supporting Vashon kids!

Erica Davidson, PTSA President, redpencom@yahoo.com

Jackie Merrill, PTSA Vice-President, ajmerrill@comcast.net