It’s this time of year where we can really appreciate living in Southern California. Friends and relatives are just starting to enjoy spring, but here in Burbank we are regularly hitting temperatures in the 80s and enjoying bright, sunny days. Instead of keeping track of jackets for school, we are packing extra water and juice to keep hydrated. And of course, it’s also the time to renew our dedication to safe sun practices and to the “Made in the Shade” eScrip drive.

In 2008, Families For Stevenson organized the “Made In The Shade” Committee to research playground shade structures and focus on the fundraising required to make shady play areas a reality at Stevenson. Although it will take another year or so to realize this goal, the value of this project is far-reaching. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood — and that just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life. So along with regular safe sun practices, join FFS in the effort to create a safer school environment.

The eScrip program is a primary source of funding for the planned structures. EScrip lets parents, teachers, neighbors and relatives earn money for the shade fund by registering grocery club cards, credit cards, select retailer cards and even debit/ATM cards in the program. Retailers then contribute a percentage of the money spent on those cards directly to the designated efforts. And best of all, it doesn’t cost the cardholder anything additional.

Grocery loyalty programs at Vons, Pavilions and other Safeway stores all can be registered to start earning money today. Other merchants here in Burbank and the surrounding areas that participate include Macys (via Macy’s credit cards) and restaurants like Tequilas, Santa Fe Cafe, Priscilla’s, Burbank Bar & Grille and more through the use of registered credit cards used at these locations. There’s even an eScrip Online Mall Store that can put money in the fund by shopping at locations like Nordstroms.com, Ebay, Amazon and many, many more.

It’s easy to get and stay involved. You can sign up today and help contribute to these efforts. Then ask friends, neighbors and relatives do the same.

ESCRIP

1. Log on to www.escrip.com
2. Click on “Sign Up – It’s Free”
3. Enter your info.
4. Identify Families For Stevenson (141523068) as the group you want to support.
5. Confirm the school selection.
6. Enter your contact information.
7. Register your Vons card by putting the card number in the appropriate box.
8. On the next screen you can register your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, ATM & Diners Club.
9. Register your Macys card.
10. Confirm your registration.

ALBERTSONS

1. Log on to www.albertsons.com
2. On the bottom navigation bar, click on ‘In The Community.’
3. On the right navigation bar, click on ‘Community Partners.’
4. If you haven’t visited this site before, it’ll ask for your zip code and then loop you back. Go through steps #2 & #3 again.
5. Enter your card number and telephone number.
6. Click on ‘Sign Me Up.’
7. Click on ‘Find A Partner.’
8. Enter Families For Stevenson – ID # 49001017076.
9. Click on ‘Update Now.’

RALPHS

1. Log on to www.ralphs.com
2. Choose Welcome & create an online account or log on to your existing account.
3. Click on My Account (top right).
4. Select Community Contribution Programs.
5. Find Families for Stevenson – ID # 90972
6. Confirm your selection.
7. Save changes.

Please take a few moments to register today. For additional information contact Michelle Shandy at FFS using the form below.