Back to school time feels more like the beginning of a new year to me than anything that happens in January.

Now is the time of new shoes, fresh starts, new beginnings.

Since I homeschool my younger two children, it’s less momentous in our house than it is for other parents with kids who are educated outside of the home. Still, we make lists, shop for clothes and shoes, buy new office supplies.

Just typing “buy new office supplies” makes me all deliciously shivery. Mmm, binders, and Sharpies and Post-It notes, oh my!

I have a few things to share with you that could help you help others get the back-to-school necessities.

Tools for Back to School

Check out the Tools for Back to School initiative sponsored by Disney and Boys and Girls Club of America.

This initiative has a game you can play where every correct answer triggers a donation from BGCA for school supplies to a child in need.

Spend a few minutes playing the pop-quiz and help out a child!

Round Up at JCPenney

BGCA has also partnered with jcpenney to help kids get the things they need to prep for the upcoming school year. All this month you can join jcp cares and round up your purchase at the register to benefit BGCA.

BGCA has a history of helping children who need it the most. Now you can easily help their mission by adding a few cents to your total when you do your back-to-school shopping at JCPenney.

Get Ready with Tips from BGCA

BGCA offers different educational content and tip sheets for parents to download and utilize. You can find them on the left hand side of the BGCA site under the ‘Get Ready’ header.

You’ll find great information on time management, thinking about college, “Power Hour” hints for parents, and helping your kids set goals, among others.

As a family how gets its school work done at home, I especially liked the time management and goal setting tips. I’m going to print these off and talk about them with my girls. It’s easy to get distracted at home, with chores and choices to fill our time.

Making the most of our time is a challenge and I’d love to instill the best habits in my kids.

Do you have a favorite item to shop for this time of year? I love buying new pencils. My absolute favorites are the classic black Ticonderoga pencils. I also love that it’s time to wear plaid again!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Boys and Girls Club. I received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.