It seems schools are asking for parents to send their kids to class the first day of school with more and more supplies.

Whereas years ago all you really needed was a No. 2 pencil and some notebook paper, school systems are now asking parents to help provide cleaning and classroom supplies.

It’s hard for some parents to afford these supplies, but think about the children who don’t have parents or aren’t living with their parents.

The Chilton County Department of Human Resources is once again asking for the community’s help in providing school supplies to foster children.

Of the 104 children now in foster care, 70 are school age.

Though foster parents do receive some money to help pay for the child’s expenses, that money seldom covers the necessities, much less school supplies.

If you would like to help a foster child by donating school supplies, contact the Cathy Stephens or Marilyn Colson at 280-2000.

Officials say the really need Clorox wipes, gallon and quart-size zip lock bags, paper towels, baby wipes, antibacterial hand soap and plastic portfolios in the primary colors.