Children are poised to excel in school when they are properly prepared.
Part of that preparation is being outfitted with the recommended list of school supplies.
Sadly, not every family has the resources to purchase everything on the list, which seems to grow every year.
Opportunities to help students converge this weekend.
First, Missouri once again will observe its sales tax holiday on items of school clothing and supplies.
From 12:01 a.m. Friday until stores close on Sunday, the state will waive sales taxes on limited purchases of clothing, personal computers and related devices costing up to $3,500 and classrooms supplies, including backpacks and notebooks.
Some local governments also will participate in waiving sales taxes, but Cole County and Jefferson City are not among them.
The sales tax holiday offers an opportune time for shoppers, if they are inclined, to help not-for-profit groups collect and distribute school supplies to children in need.
In addition to a number of area churches, the Samaritan Center again this year is collecting school supplies for distribution throughout the community.
The list of items for students in grades K-12 includes: liquid glue, eight-count markers, eight-count colored pencils, scissors, erasers, spiral notebooks, notebook paper, 3-by-5 index cards, pencil boxes, pocket folders with prongs and backpacks.
Items may be brought to the Samaritan Center, 1310 E. McCarty St. in Jefferson City, from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Thursdays and from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. other weekdays.
School supplies equip children not only with materials, but with a sense they are prepared and an eagerness to learn.
On the weekend shopping list, consider penciling in school supplies for a student in need.