Back to school time should be exciting for families. Getting kids fashionably outfitted to fit in at school and suitably supplied to handle the next level of education is a family affair – kids and parents shopping together for just the right outfit, backpack or list of school supplies.

Being short of cash can ruin this fun time, however. Kids from poor families might be embarrassed to return to school wearing the same old clothes, now a size too small, or not possessing everything on the teacher’s list of necessary supplies, such as crayons, scissors, paper and protractors.

Fortunately, Whidbey Island citizens are working to make sure that all students can go back to school this year properly supplied.

Volunteers with the Back to School Project have a goal of helping 200 Oak Harbor families with their back-to-school needs this year. The project has a proven track record of success on Central Whidbey and South Whidbey.

It’s great to see they have expanded this year to help Oak Harbor area children.

The Back-to-School Project operates with cash donations, using the money to provide vouchers that needy families can take to local stores and trade for clothing, school supplies and even haircuts. For information about how to help, call 279-5072.

The Opportunity Council spearheads another excellent back-to-school effort that’s now heading into its sixth year. To help, islanders simply are asked to donate something on a list of school supplies that includes number two pencils, pens, pencil pouches, supply boxes, scissors, glue, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, colored markers, erasers, folders, subject dividers, binders, rulers, Kleenex and calculators.

The Opportunity Council also accepts cash donations. Drop off school supplies at 1791 NE First Street or call Lisa Clark at 679-6577.

Another option is to stop by Wal-Mart on Saturday, Aug. 20, when the North Whidbey Lions Club will be outside the sore conducting its annual school supply drive for the Opportunity Council.

We are fortunate to live in a community where so many are working to make sure that all kids regardless of income can go back to school with new clothes and supplies. What a positive way to start another school year.