Finding Funds For The School Piggy Bank (NAPSA)—In challenging times, limited funds have to stretch even further. Growing budget cuts are forcing many schools to reach out to parents and the community for financial support and seek creative meansto fund essential education resources. BEBEE EB” Here are sometips for parents and teachersalike to find outside funding support in addition to getting the most out of every dollar they spend this season: Recycling Drive: Aluminum cans and paper are common items that many schools already recycle, but ink cartridges and electronics— PDAs, unwanted cell phones, MP3 players—are items that are often overlooked. Students can do their part to help the environment while also fundraising by taking advantage of programsthatoffer funding for electronic waste. e Shop Smart and Give Back: Make your shopping more meaningful by looking for sales incentives when buying in bulk and sharing the same supplies among several children. Also, consider do- nating additional supplies to children in need throughlocal nonprofit organizations. Or take part in programs that give back to the community where you shop the most. Target’s Take Charge of Education program enhances educational opportunities and outcomes for children by providing unrestricted funds to a REDcardholder’s designated eligible K-12 school in the community for every REDcard purchase made. Since the program began in 1997, more than $260 million has been donated to more than 100,000 schools nationwide—75 percent of the nation’s schools. * Book Sale: Reduced-price book sales are a favorite fundraiser that both raises money and encourages kids to find books they might enjoy reading. Have students distribute flyers to parents, neighbors and to local businesses requesting old books that they can sell to help raise funds. School library books that have been replaced or updated are also great itemsto offer at the book sale. Explore the Net: There are many ways to help support your child’s education and school—look to online resources, such as the Parent Teacher Association Web site (PTA.org), for additional tips and tricks or unique, innovative ideas. “For decades, PTA members have played a key role in securing fundsto enrich their children’s education. However, due to today’s economy and continued budget cuts, parents are forced to step up their efforts,” says Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors, National PTA president. “Now morethanever,it’s important to provide the resources that improve the learning experience and support academic achievementto shape the future success of our education system in America.” For additional information on how to raise funds for your local schools, visit Target.com/Education. w------- eee ee---e-eeQU +--+ ------------------ +--+ Editor’s Note: Funding subject to Take Charge of Education program rules. See store or Target.com /tcoe for details. REDcard”: Target Visa Credit Card, Target Credit Card” and Target Check Card”. Subject to application approval.
