Generous donations powering the school-supplies drive of The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy often come with welcome bits of perspective.

Reader contributions help provide needy students with the tools of learning for a new school year, and give their cash-strapped families relief from the expense.

First of all, let us say thank you. Notes express appreciation for the annual editorial-page campaign. We'll take credit for the reminder, but readers empower the drive and deserve unqualified gratitude for their community spirit and generosity.

Current and retired teachers contribute because they know firsthand the embarrassment felt by students who show up for class empty-handed. Having a backpack full of school supplies -- and not standing out in the classroom -- is a powerful gift to those anxious young people from struggling families.

Those awkward feelings turn into memories that last a lifetime. Readers lament such help was not available in their youth. Searing experiences lead them to write a check or make a donation online, year after year.

The Times' school-supply drive divides donations among three excellent agencies: Hopelink, the YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County and the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness.

They screen applicants, buy and organize the grade-appropriate supplies and distribute them.

Generous readers provide the magic in a backpack full of school supplies. Abracadabra -- students can focus on learning.