Through blogging and focusing on kindness, I’ve connected with Sheila of Pennies of Time, and I’m grateful for the way she reminds me daily that we can all make a difference:

“No matter your age, where you are from, your hobbies, or your background – you can help others.”

Her words are so true. I recall a moment in the after-school program I used to run at Newhall Elementary School when a child, who often struggled with basic necessities himself, gave his just one dollar to help others, and the impact that dollar had.

In the program, we had discussed the problem of clean water and running water for many children around the world, and the students had chosen to host an event to raise funds so that children at a school in Burkina Faso could have a toilet. Their goal was to raise $250 for the students.

At the end of our Alice in Wonderland Carnival and Bake Sale, we had $225, which was impressive, yet shy of our goal. With all of the students and many parents and staff members together as we wrapped up our event and shared how well we had done, this little boy bravely stood up and pulled that last hidden dollar out of his pocket. When he did, something amazing happened. Other students (and some adults) pulled out their last dollars, too. We ended up surpassing our goal that day with 40 additional dollars growing out of his simple gesture.

I will never forget that moment or that little boy who reminds me that no matter what challenges I may face, I can always help someone else. I can always give back. I can always practice kindness and spread love.

Since many of us are in a “back to school” rush and school supplies are on sale everywhere, I thought I’d share some simple ways to give back as you do your back-to-school shopping:

Buy an extra set: When purchasing supplies for your own child, get an extra set of everything to donate to an organization in your community that works with underserved youth. I know the Boys and Girls Club in Newhall is collecting school supplies to donate, and I’m still trying to find out who else in the Santa Clarita Valley is collecting or accepting donations, but often Help the Children does, as well as the Assistance League on Main Street in Newhall. Real Life Church just did a major backpack collection and school supply drive, so they might still be accepting supplies, too.

You can also give the extra set to your child’s teacher or school at the beginning of the year. Schools often know which children need supplies.

My favorite local coffee shop, It’s A Grind in Castaic, is collecting school supplies, too. There’s a box for backpacks filled with supplies that is near the bathroom at the coffee shop. If your child is getting a new backpack but you still have their old one on hand and in pretty good shape, put the supplies you buy into it. Even if you can’t buy an entire extra set, get what you can and donate it. It can make a difference.

Check your stash: I know you’re out there – the hoarders. Some of us simply can’t resist a sale but then end up with more than we need. Dig around in your hiding spaces, your craft bin, your garage, etc. You might discover you don’t need to buy anything at all but have plenty of new school supply items already that are just begging to get donated.

Use supplies to say thank you: I mentioned giving extra supplies to teachers. A creative way to do this is to put together a cute basket with supplies as a thank you for your child’s teacher even before the school year starts. If you’re part of a mom’s group or church group, perhaps you could work together to fill a really big box for a new teacher at a school. I know teachers often need pencils, pens and Post-It notes. (When I ran the after-school program, pencils were always needed.)

Keep it simple: If you can, consider purchasing a $10, $15 or even $25 gift card when you’re at Target, Walmart or the Dollar Store. I know Single Mothers Outreach in Santa Clarita really appreciates these gift cards to pass along to mothers in need who use these for school supplies, diapers and other essentials.

Make a donation: Don’t want to leave the house or deal with shopping? Simple click and give. The 10×10 Fund for Girls’ Education is just one way to give. Or check out Donors Choose, where teachers share what they need and you simply pick what you want from their list and purchase it to support educators and their students.

Get in the Christmas spirit: Many families participate in Operation Christmas Child, and a major need item for those boxes are school supplies. So purchase the supplies now while they’re on sale, and you’ll be one step ahead in a couple of months. Just don’t forget where you stash them for later.

Find out what volunteer needs your school has: Sometimes, donating items that cost money is not in our budget, but we might have time to give. I know most schools need volunteers and have a variety of ways for volunteers to get involved and help. Once your child gets settled in at school this year, ask about volunteer opportunities and needs, and see what you can offer to make your school and community a better place.

If you’ve got some other tips for giving back this school year or know of other places accepting school supply donations, please share in the comments below so we can spread the love.

Jennifer Fischer is co-founder of the SCV Film Festival, a mom of two, an independent filmmaker and owner of Think Ten Media Group, whose Generation Arts division offers programs for SCV youth. She writes about her parenting journey on her blog, The Good Long Road. Her commentary is published Saturdays on SCVNews.com.