A new box of crayons
may be all it takes

Nothing relieved the pain of going back to school after a carefree summer like a new box of crayons . The heady, waxy scent and brightly colored uniformity of the sticks, all fitted tightly in the green and gold box, was exactly the right tonic to transform my reluctance to readiness for the classroom.

Yet, more than 25,000 needy island children will go without these little treasures when they begin a new school year, if others don't help out, according to the Ready to Learn program.

Through July 1, fire stations on all islands will collect new school supplies for needy children. Crayons, folder paper, pencils, portfolios, glue, composition tablets, pens, blunt scissors, rulers, protractors and three-ring binders are on the wanted list. First Hawaiian Bank will collect monetary donations until July 14.

If the pleasure of giving isn't enough motivation, try sniffing a box of crayons. There's no denying its potency for recalling sweet school day memories.

-- Cynthia Oi

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