Giving Tree set up for giving needy kids school supplies

This is the time of year for buying school supplies, rearranging schedules and everything else that goes along with getting back to school. Many children, however, are anxiously awaiting their first day of school because they will not be able to afford needed school supplies.

This is where Delnor Hospital's Giving Tree can help. Through August, Delnor has joined efforts with the Regional Office of Education and Lazarus House to collect school supplies to help children have a great start to the new school year, and everyone in the community can help do their part as well.

Vacations, late nights, sleeping in, and hours of playing video games each day are about to end for many children. These events will soon be replaced with meeting new and old friends, a daily schedule, sports and homework. However, for many children having the proper school supplies is financially out of reach.

"We are seeing a lot of families in the Fox Valley being affected by the current economic situation," said Sandie Hunter, registered dietitian at Delnor and member of the Wellness Committee who is spearheading this initiative. "We just want to help as many kids as we can and help them make the transition back to school an easier one."

August is National Back to School Month and a good time to think about how you might give back to make this the best school year ever for at least one student. Consider donating the following items for a child in need, items will be collected through Monday, Aug. 31: Crayola washable markers; 24 box of crayons; No. 2 pencils; pink erasers; pencil boxes/cases; colored pencils; pocket folders; spiral bound notebooks; 1-inch, 3-ring binders; loose leaf paper; backpacks, new or gently used; glue sticks; Fiskers scissors, new or gently used; rulers; pens - blue, black and red; Post-it notes; clipboards; yellow highlighters; boxes of tissues; zip-lock Baggies, sandwich or snack size.

Hunter adds, "Finding small ways to make a difference and giving together can make a positive impact. Donating something small can go so far. It doesn't have to cost a lot, and everyone can be involved - it crosses all ages, can involve all family members and makes a positive impact on everybody involved."

An actual Giving Tree in the Delnor Hospital atrium, 300 Randall Road in Geneva, allows for employees to drop off their contributions. And for community members making a donation is simple, just pull in to the entrance of Delnor Hospital and the valet parking staff will take donated items and place them by the Delnor Giving Tree. Valet is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call Lynne Casey, senior marketing specialist at (630) 208-4512.