[Pat Arnold]

I was referring in my earlier post to the optional backpack donation mentioned on the Tempest N' Tampa registration form:

C. Entry Fees (FRC only):
1. Registration (on or before September 14th): $300.
2. Optional donation program: One Filled Back-Pack for an elementary school student collected at the event. This very successful school sponsorship program is something that we admired and wished to continue in our area. Team 79 has adopted the Clearwater Intermediate School; a special needs school in Pinellas County. The donated back packs will be presented to the school along with other collected school supplies at the competition. Materials to include: Small Backpack, 1 pair scissors, 3 pocket folders, 1 box of 24 crayons, 3 glue sticks, 1 ruler with inches and centimeters, 1 package pencils, 2 large erasers, 2 black pens, 2 red pens, 2 packages loose leaf notebook paper, 1 school supply box, 1 package colored pencils, 1 package washable markers, 2 packages tissues, 3 spiral notebooks. Teams are also encouraged to add something special to the pack such as a team button, good luck card, or letter to the student.

I'm sure as many school supplies as teams want to donate will be welcome.