This was the third annual and the largest we've seen yet.

We have collected 350 backpacks so far.

We're furnishing children whose parents can't afford supplies. It at least gives them a starting point and puts them on the same playing field as other children.

Once they have actually left office, we seem to grow fonder of our ex-presidents - and they of each other. That's why so many sighed in approval at Michelle Obama's public display of affection with George W. Bush at last month's dedication of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

My parents always pushed creativity on us, but they made it seem like the fun thing to do.

It gets tiresome after a while.