Once again, the big red barrel is on the ramp at the kitchen door, this time for the annual drive to collect school supplies for the children of CAST clients. Starting off the school year with the pencils, notebooks, rulers, crayons, etc. that kids need to complete their assignments gives kids a head start on making the most of their learning. Our shul is one of many organizations participating in this worthy project. Tikkun Olam is hopeful that shul members will respond generously this year, just as they have in the past.

So, what to put into that big red barrel? Book bags are a high priority this year. Apparently, book bags can take rough treatment, but by year’s end, they are fairly well frayed and torn. A new book bag to house new supplies is a welcome treat for all kids. Supplies can be ordered online, maybe from Amazon, or purchased from any stationery store, like Staples, and from most grocery stores. Costco, Walgreens and CVS are good sources as well.

Veronica Kaliski assured The Shofar that the barrel would be monitored and emptied frequently so no pilfering could take place. What you put in the barrel is safe, she said.

Let’s see if we can fill it — maybe more than once…