Our schools always need our help and with budgets stretched tight this year, there is a need to discover ways to give with just a little effort and not a ton of money.

In talking with representatives of the schools, I found that:

At the top of the wish list for both Montevallo Elementary and Middle Schools is the need for “Box Tops for Education.”

According to their website, the coupons are found on hundreds of everyday products, including 51 cereals, 33 refrigerated and dairy products, and many more. The expiration dates should be carefully checked and the unexpired coupons taken to the schools where they can be redeemed for cash to buy much-needed equipment and supplies.

MES is collecting used CDs, cell phones and printer cartridges. These can be sold for cash or credited toward office supplies.

There are many children enrolled in the elementary grades who are from low-income families and who have a real need for warm clothing. A closet inventory might yield a sweater or coat that would be very welcome to a child who has none.

A roster of “call-when-needed” volunteers is maintained at both MES and MMS. There are opportunities to serve in such capacities as teacher’s helpers or as office assistants.

Susan Beard, the middle school counselor, and Kristen Bridges, president of the PTO, gave us the following additions to our list of helpful measures:

-Designate your Publix shopping card for support of MMS.

-Request a Target Take Charge of Education card and name MMS as your school of choice.

-Shop on line through the Box Tops for Education’s website – you begin there, designating your school of choice, and click on Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, and other places — but beginning there will give the school credit.

-Purchase school supplies and classroom supplies and drop off at the schools.

-Attend announced fundraising events, such as the upcoming Texas Roadhouse MMS Night and the fall festivals at both schools.

-Join Montevallo Middle PTSO Facebook page.

Join PTO organizations.

A listing of the products carrying the Box Tops for Education coupons can be found on Boxtops4education.com/earn/clip/Brands.aspx – 43k.

Catherine Legg can be reached by email at clegg2@bellsouth.net.