Where did the time go? Wasn't it yesterday that you brought the baby home from the hospital? It's back to school time again and for those sending a child to kindergarten, it can be quite emotional... for parents anyway. Kindergarten is a special time and you'll begin seeing pay off on your hard work over the past 5 years. For most this will be the first full school day, the first year to ride the school bus, the first year to have homework, and the first year when peer influences begin to play a role.

ATLANTA -- Can you believe it’s just a few short weeks before the school bus will be rounding the block again?

Act Together Ministries needs your help to collect school supplies for children in need in five north metro counties: Forsyth, N Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee, and Gwinnett. With your help, we will set up our 4th annual school supply “store” that allows children the opportunity to shop for their own school supplies. The children love picking out their favorite color backpack, selecting pencils with a preferred cartoon character, and getting the exact items listed on their school supply list. Parents in our program contribute $5 toward the event so that they have the honor of taking ownership. No one wants to wait in a hand out line and be labeled “Needy.” In addition to receiving school supplies, the children get haircuts, medical/dental screening, lunch, and enjoy crafts, games and other fun activities.

Summer in the south is officially here! With rising temperatures, it is important to take steps to protect those around us who might be vulnerable to the heat, like our children and pets.

Did you know that we lose heat by sweating? Water literally evaporates into the atmosphere and sucks the heat out of our bodies. Children produce even more heat than adults. This is because they have more body surface for their height. Children are also closer to the ground – and to hot pavement. They can easily become dehydrated or overheated.

Here are some tips to keep your children and pets safe in the heat.