Every August when my son Kyle was a boy, I remember the excitement of shopping for his new school clothes and school supplies. I can almost hear the shopping bags being loaded into the car after a trip to the store. 

With Kyle now grown and living independently, I often think about the many single moms whose budgets make it difficult to buy their children’s school supplies. With that in mind, last August I purchased several backpacks, filled them with rulers, pens, notebooks, and other school supplies, and donated them to the Oak Park Community Center in Sacramento. The smiling young girls in this photo are just two examples of the kids whose lives were a little more joyful because of my donation. It filled my heart with joy to see these happy faces.

This year: however, due to the progression of my ALS diagnosis, I’m not able to go shopping but my husband and my sister will make the trip to the store on my behalf. So, as you read my August blog, I hope you will join me and provide backpacks for needy children. I know it will warm your heart and let’s make this an August tradition!