In a perfect world, every parent would have the time and resources to outfit all of their children with all of the necessary school supplies, students would always come to class prepared with their supplies, and teachers would have an endless stream of the things they need available at all times, at no cost to them.

None of these things exists in our less-than-perfect world, so it is up to the community to assist our hardworking students and teachers in having a successful school year.

There are school supply drives happening all over the place, and supporting any one of them — or donating directly to a school, or a teacher you know, or a student in need you know — is a great move to help improve our future.

There’s a drive coming up this Friday, and it’s one of the first in the area and very convenient for potential donors.

The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office will collect donations from 8 a.m. to noon this Friday at the front entrances of the downtown Walmart, 1200 N. Main St. Donations will then be delivered on Monday to Nansemond Parkway and Elephant’s Fork elementary schools.

And if you’re buying school supplies for your children this year, consider grabbing a few extra of certain things and make sure they get to your child’s teacher. Things like tissues, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, pencils and pens are sure to be a hit when they come through the classroom doors in large quantities.

These donations are an investment in the future in our imperfect world.