Saving Box Tops can benefit our schools

Although the weather doesn't seem to agree, spring has arrived. Now and again you'll spot daffodils and tulips making their way through the soil in neighborhood yards. I noticed last weekend that the purple phlox in my front garden has started to bloom and it's been a treat to see color once again in my winter weary yard.

Another sure sign of spring is our schools being closed for spring break. The elementary schools have been out since Monday, and next week the middle and high schools join them.

Speaking of elementary schools, the students and staff at Meneley continue to collect "Box Tops 4 Education" in order to help fund assemblies, field trips and playground equipment. The Box Tops are found on many common household products such as cereals, paper goods and snacks. Participating brands include Pillsbury, Ziploc, Betty Crocker, and many others. If you look in your cupboards, you may discover Box Tops on many items you already have in your home.

To assist with this worthwhile project, all you need to do is clip the Box Tops from participating products. They can be dropped off at the school or mailed to Meneley Elementary School at 1446 Muir Drive, Gardnerville, NV 89460. Each Box Top is worth 10 cents and they really add up. Box Tops are collected all year.

Each class can track its monthly progress on a NASCAR-themed board at the school. Monthly prizes are awarded, and the class that contributes the greatest number of Box Tops by the end of the year will win a pizza party.

Box Tops coordinator Erin Eichhorst told me that in addition to sending in the Box Tops, there are other ways to earn points for the school. By logging on to www.boxtops4education.com individuals can sign up as a "booster member" for a specific school. Benefits of becoming a booster member include access to money-saving coupons, newsletters and additional chances to earn Bonus Box Tops.

In addition, the Web site offers a "Box Tops Marketplace," which features links to more than 200 stores. Eligible purchases made through the Web site are another way to earn more Box Tops.

"This is a great way to support our local schools," said Eichhorst.

For more information, you can call Meneley Elementary School at 265-3154, or coordinator Erin Eichhorst at 265-7516.

n Amy Roby can be reached by e-mail at RanchosRoundup@hotmail.com