I saw a story that said parents expect back-to-school shopping will cost them more this year, and it reminded me of what I once needed for my first day of school.

Back-to-school isn't an issue at our house, but believe me, there's a big difference between then and now.

For students when I was a kid it meant crayons, a few pencils, a notebook or two and a ruler (maybe you still had the one you used the year before).

High school meant more notebooks and something to write with. I'm sure there was more, but I don't remember anymore. And no, we didn't use chisels on stone tablets--it wasn't that long ago.

Then came college, when we had to buy books along with everything else.

Anyway, now I just shake my head when I see the lists in stores. And this is just supplies, not clothing or anything else.

No wonder parents find it so expensive. And it's why The Banquet has Project SOS in the fall--so very many families really need it.

And it's why our church has the same school supplies drive every fall for our sister community near the Rosebud Reservation.

There's no way around it--kids need supplies to go to school.

So if you get an opportunity to make it easier for those in need, do it.

You never know who you will be helping on their way.

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