MA Children's Relief & Wareham Public School staff completed another successful Beach Bucket Brigade, helping pre-school- and elementary-school-aged kids who are in need transition to summer.

Turning Point Day Resource Center supplied MA Children's Relief with the list of children, and staff signed up to be personal shoppers, filling beach buckets with bathing suits, flip flops, sunscreen and summer toys.

MA Children's Relief is now gearing up for Backpack to School, another Seasons of Giving project. The project gets in-need kindergarteners to high-school seniors ready for school, and is also coordinated with Turning Point.

For this project, personal-shopper volunteers receive backpacks and mini bios on children to personalize the support. First name, favorite colors and characters are included as well as clothing sizes. The backpacks are filled with start-of-school items kids need; for instance, a school outfit, gym sneakers and grade-appropriate school supplies for home as well as school.

The goal is for all kids to have filled backpacks by September 1, the first day of school. Donations of related items (backpacks, school supplies) or gift cards are also appreciated, as while there many volunteers, there are always more kids than personal shoppers.

While we have your attention; save the date! The fifth Tastes & Sounds is going to China on September 25.

The annual event is hosted by Salerno's Seaside Facility in Onset. In addition to a large buffet directly served by chefs, there is live entertainment, raffles, door prizes, region-themed guest goodie bags and a silent auction.

Proceeds support Turning Point and helps fund MA Children's Relief's third Seasons of Giving project. Decembers' Kid Komfort Kits provides kids in need with winter outerwear and clothing, as well as personal preference gifts. As with all three Season's of Giving Projects, this effort is coordinated with Turning Point.

For information, volunteering or donations to Backpack to School or Tastes & Sounds of China, please contact Sally Morrison 508-295-7410 or sammorrison@comcast.net.