Dear Annie: As a teacher of 35 years, I feel invigorated. Recently, I've helped pilot a programme that reminded me why I got into teaching in the first place — to develop not just good students, but also great young people.

Can you help me pass on an invitation to every teacher, parent, school and student? The LEAGUE is launching its first event, called simply "The Drive," to see how much food and clothing we can all collect for those in need. We invite every classroom and student group to join in.

It's free and simple. Any teacher or teacher-certified student group (like a student council or club) can log on to www.theleague.org and then collect as much food or clothing for any agency they choose by Thanksgiving. Each class reports its total online, which contributes to a record attempt and earns LEAGUE points toward awards for the class, school and students — and recognition in the media. It's a friendly "co-opetition" — with the community and all those participating as the real winners.

The LEAGUE is a web-based, all-inclusive system for students K-12, engaging them in doing good for their community, nation and the world. One hundred sixty-seven schools are now piloting The LEAGUE in New Jersey, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, Texas, New York and California, and as far away as Zambia and India.

I have seen how students respond, not only to various LEAGUE events during the year (from King Day to Earth Day), but especially to the Learning to Give Curriculum and Learning Links included with each event. They connect what they learn in the classroom with the good they do for others. It makes learning come alive. Parents can help by clipping this column and sending it to their child's teacher with a personal note of support.

Obviously, school is about academics first, but do you think we can one day make "doing good" as much a part of school as sports? — Sincerely, "Mr. C" Joe Czaszynski

Dear Mr. C.: We have a great deal of faith in today's students and hope they and their teachers will log on to your website and check out the available activities, especially the upcoming Thanksgiving Drive. The more schools that participate, the better for our communities and those worldwide. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to let our readers know.

Dear Annie: My husband and I eat supper around 8 p.m. Some of our friends like to drop in around 6 p.m. and stay for three hours or more. Of course, then it's too late to eat. Is there a polite way to let our visitors know we haven't eaten and that we'd like to do so by ourselves? — Hungry in Iowa

Dear Hungry: Your friends may assume you eat a lot earlier, so it's OK for you to politely assert yourself when people drop by unexpectedly. At 7.00, you should stand up, turn to your visitors and say, "It's been wonderful visiting, but Jim and I haven't had dinner yet. We hope you don't mind," and escort them to the door.

Dear Annie: I have been struggling with depression for almost five years and have had several different issues arise from it — weight gain, loss of sex drive, etc.

After reading the letter from "Feeling Better Now" regarding exercise, I have a newfound hope for myself. I have joined a gym and I actually go.

I am eating better, and as far as that sex drive, slowly but surely it will return. I want to thank that writer. Her letter was the kick in the butt I needed. And thank you, Annie, for printing it. — Hope Has Arrived in Van Nuys, Calif.

Dear Van Nuys: Studies show that regular exercise can lift depression as well as make you feel better and stronger in every way. We hope your letter will serve as a needed "kick" for someone else.