ALPINE — The “Apples for Education” campaign to help local schools is rolling again in Alpine.
     Presented by the Education Committee of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, the program encourages people to buy bright paper apples — $1 for a red one, $5 for a green one and $20 for a gold one — to raise money.

Alpine’s Honorary Mayor Bob Ring with some local students who are obviously the apples of his eye.

     The first “Apples” fund raiser last year, spearheaded by 2009 Honorary Mayor Bob Ring, Alpine Albertsons store manager, brought in about $1,000 to provide classroom needs that aren’t covered by current budgets for Alpine schools.
     “Even though I’m not going to be Honorary Mayor (for 2010), I think the campaign will work well,” said Ring, an Education Committee member.
     All proceeds from the “Apples for Education” campaign goes to the Alpine Chamber Community Foundation, Inc. for distribution to Alpine schools. The foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit California corporation.
     During the past six years the Chamber’s fund raising efforts have raised more than $60,000 to provide such items as computers, programs and other materials for Alpine students.
     Ring said school principals and PTA presidents are excited about the upcoming second “Apples” campaign, scheduled to start Oct. 20. Stores will be approached to participate.
     Those who bought paper apples last year often put their names or the names of their businesses or organizations on the fund raising symbols to show their support for education.
     Others wanted to honor children or other special people in their lives, sometimes even pets.
     One woman bought a $20 gold apple in memory of her mother. Another woman paid a dollar for a bright red apple to publicly recognize her pet, a cute dog snuggled in her arms.
     Apples for Education can be bought online at www.alpinechamber.com, at the Chamber office at 2707 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine, or at participating businesses throughout Alpine.
     Call the Chamber at 445-2722 for more information.