While reading the newspaper over the weekend, I was astonished at the number of homeless people in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona. While things are tight for all of us, most of us have never slept in a box or under a bridge. It pains me to think of the emotional stress, frustrations and daily challenges that these families face.

While I cannot help them all, I thought we, as a community, could collectively focus on the children of homeless families. While these small faces have done nothing themselves to be put in this position, wouldn't it do us all some good to help alleviate some of the stress these parents are feeling about this already pressurized time called "Back To School"?

Honestly, whether the student wears a uniform or not, there is still the underlying pressure to be "cool". How does a homeless family help their student fit in when spending money on new clothes or needed supplies truly isn't an option? How do you force a parent to chose between food and shoes?

Chandler students return to school in 3 weeks. During the next 20 days, I would ask you to help us restore some dignity to these children.

With permission from the Chandler Unified School District, I would like to humbly ask you to join with me in raising donations for these children.

What's needed?

1) Backpacks

2) Clothing - new, all sizes

3) Shoes - new, all sizes

4) Jackets or Sweatshirts (it's not always going to be 110 outside)

Chandler Unified School District has over 35,000 students that they are responsible for. That's 35,000 opportunities to develop tomorrow's leaders, perhaps a President or UN Ambassador. It's 35,000 minds waiting to be challenged and fulfilled.

We don't need backpacks for all of them - but certainly a few hundred would allow enough students to start the school year off right. Due to the privacy of these families, we will not be distributing the items personally. All donations will be given to the CUSD and distributed to children in need from there.

Will you consider a donation? It would be a shame to forget even one.