Happy Fourth of July weekend. Once again we draw inspiration from Thomas Jefferson as we raise money for school supplies for needy children.

Summer is barely under way, but we invite your donations to help students who otherwise will return to class next fall without the basic tools for learning. Your contribution empowers a vision as old as the nation. Jefferson firmly believed in the liberating power of education, both as personal enrichment and foundation of a stable democracy.

We also believe in a strong link between success in school and being equipped to learn. Weekly, through Labor Day, we will highlight the efforts of groups and organizations working in the community to provide school supplies for low-income children.

We also invite your contributions. They will be divided among three excellent agencies: Hopelink, the Randolph Carter Family and Learning Center of Catholic Community Services, and theYWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish County.

We believe Jefferson said "thank you" best: "The reward of esteem and gratitude (is) due those who devote their time and efforts to render the youths of every successive age fit governors for the next."

Readers are invited to send a donation to: The School Supply Drive of The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, P.O. Box C-11025, Seattle, WA 98111. For donations via credit card, e-mail pdelaney@seattletimes.com for details.