The difference in a child’s education could be something as small as a coat or a toothbrush. So a number of philanthropists from around West Virginia recently made a big donation to help schools provide those small things.

The “Keep the Ball Rolling” campaign got an infusion of more than $1 million from Shawn and Angela Ball, owners of L&S Toyota in Beckley, West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack and his wife Lisa through the Pack Family Foundation, and the Wing to Wing Foundation established by Marshall University President Brad Smith.

With that money, $1,500 checks went to schools across the Mountain State — including the Northern Panhandle –to help schools provide items like food, clothing, shoes, coats and hygiene products.

“We know there are needs around the state – broken families and addiction issues,” Pack said. “We know the public schools don’t have the resources to help kids with coats and shoes and other personal needs. The idea that we have the ability to help our students is a blessing. It’s the thing to do.”

It’s another shining example of West Virginians helping their neighbors, and should be an inspiration to others in the state to emulate.

It doesn’t have to be something as big as a $1 million check. That help can come from donating to a local coat drive or food pantry, or volunteering at one of the many organizations helping West Virginians in need.

Contributions great and small can help students secure the little things that can keep them going.