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Do Something 101-Lend A Helping Hand

According to U.S. Census data, families will spend in excess of $7 billion getting their children ready for school.

This year, getting ready for school can also provide teens with a chance to make a difference.

As part of the Do Something 101 drive, DoSomething.org is making it easy for teens to collect school supplies and drop them off at the nearest Staples store.

"There are so many kids in America that need school supplies that don't have them and all somebody has to do is donate," said Jordin Sparks, pop star and American Idol® winner. "It's so easy."

Sparks, hot off her hit single with Chris Brown, stars in a public service announcement for the campaign and hopes to help raise awareness of these underserved kids.

Teens could hold a movie night and "charge" friends a backpack filled with school supplies as admission. Or put together a battle of the bands, car washes or carnivals with people donating school supplies at the door. This year's most-popular supplies feature tools, technology and twists on the basics. Top trends include:

• Backpacks in bold new colors, styles and prints.

• No more spirals. Students who carry notebooks featuring assorted designs, patterns and colors will get an "A" for organization and style.

• Desk essentials-from paper clips and pushpins-offered in fun containers in a variety of designs and shapes will replace basic desk products.

• Students can decorate their locker their own way with locker accessory kits that include wallpaper, magnetic frames, mirrors, magnets and dry-erase boards.

• Store and transfer writing assignments, pictures and more on USB flash drives that feature a soft, rubberized surface in a variety of colors.

• All-in-one systems that copy, print and scan are a must-have this year. Their size and functionality make them suitable for the bedroom and dorm.

• For those toting a laptop to and from class this year, laptop sleeves make transporting notes and projects easy and slip-free.

• For students who want to be "green," eco-friendly notebooks and filler paper made from 80 percent bagasse-sugarcane fiber-are a good alternative.

For more information, visit www.dosomething101.com.