As a retired teacher, I know how important creative activities of all kinds are to the learning process. I also know how important it is to educate kids in the dangers of drug use. That's why I was always enthusiastic about encouraging my students to participate in the Just Say No poster contest held every spring.

As most of you know, funding in public education is tight. Teachers across America repeatedly use money from their own pockets to buy supplies for their students. This often means that 'nonessential' projects, such as the Just Say No poster contest, end up by the wayside.

My goal is to raise enough money to buy the art supplies needed so every 3rd, 4th and 5th grader at Garfield Elementary (the school where I used to teach) can participate in the Just Say No poster contest this spring. The money you contribute will be used to buy poster boards and markers for the students to use in the classroom. The students, their families, and the teachers will all be very grateful. And society will benefit as we have a chance to remind our future to Just Say No to drugs!