I kind of miss it. That back to school frenzy of getting the school supply lists and and spending an entire day shopping to find just the right items for each of our boys. Long before Amazon and ordering online we actually had to go shopping in person and we usually made a day of it.

School lists are published earlier and earlier each year and they seem endless. The supplies range from napping mats for kindergarteners to graphing calculators for the middle and high schoolers.

The past week I have helped hand out loaded, and I mean loaded, backpacks at Sharing House here in Brevard. It is my favorite non profit and while I have not volunteered in the pantry or clothing closet, I have tried to be involved in other ways. One of their biggest projects each year is providing school supplies and shoes and underwear for school age children. It is a massive undertaking and this year they will probably be serving well over 600 students. That means filled backpacks with all of those brand spanking new school supplies.

It warmed my heart to see the happy mamas and kids come in to get their backpacks and to see the happy smiles when they found just the right backpack to tote their supplies home. I remember the days of finding that perfect Trapper Keeper and that huge box of crayons for our boys. There is nothing like feeling like the school year is starting off right with a brand spanking new set of supplies.

But boy – is it ever expensive anymore. That’s why programs like these are so important. Prices are still going up and up and a lot of folks just are barely making ends meet so it is wonderful to be able to have trusted programs like these.

I have always been somewhat of an office supply geek so being among all the bins of markers, pencils, paper and other school made me happy. One of these days maybe I will be able to buy some of those for our grandson.

Did you love back to school shopping or dread it when you had to do it for your children ?