PICKENS COUNTY - Even in today’s bad economic climate, there are plenty of ways to help our local schools without spending money, according to school district officials.

“It’s as easy as clipping a box top or using a rewards card when making purchases,” said Julie Thompson, spokesperson for the school district.

Dr. Mendel Stewart, interim superintendent, noted that schools have been taking advantage of this type of program for years.

“Parents know just how much their schools benefit if they clip box tops or use bonus cards when they shop,” he said. “Many local community members don’t have students in school but would be willing to help.”

And as he pointed out, this is a “simple, cost free way they can support public schools.”

Thompson noted that while she doesn’t have students in our public school system, she takes part in these programs.

“I have no children, but I consistently present my Publix and Ingles cards when I purchase groceries and prescriptions,” she said.

The long-time employee of the district also said she’s saved soup labels for a school.

She said many grocery store chains and national companies sponsor programs that require a rewards card.

When customers sign up to help a particular school and present their card at Bi-Lo, Bloom, Ingles and Publix, a percentage of the sale is donated to that school, she said.

And the school can use the funds in any way.

And there are plenty of other ways to help too, without breaking the pocketbook.

A number of restaurants in Pickens County hold designated “school nights,” where they donate a percentage of their profits to a selected school.

Six Mile Elementary has had a lot of success with this type program.

They have raised more than $3,000 since school started in August, according to principal Clif Alexander.

“We’ve had great participation this year, and the extra money has been a huge help,” he said. “Many people are already eating out, so participating in school nights is an easy way to help our kids.”

Thompson said that several schools also receive money from recycling ink and toner cartridges.

“Not only is this a simple way to help schools, it also helps the environment,” she said.

Liberty High School started doing this several years ago and asked the district office to help out.

The school collects around $500 annual, said LHS media specialist Yvonne Mayo.

“We earmark the proceeds from ink cartridge recycling for our broadcast journalism program since there’s really no budget for this course,” she said. “Without the money from recycling, our students would miss out on the program’s valuable learning opportunities.”

Those interesting in taking part in these type programs can check out a complete list of them, as well as the schools taking part, by visiting the school district Web site at www.pickens.k12.sc.us. Just look under the “Families and Communities/Support Our Schools” link.

“It’s so easy to help,” Stewart said. “Even if you don’t know anyone at the school, you can be assured that children will benefit.”