Investing in our children brings untold returns that have impacts that can be felt for many years.

Last Saturday, and for the second time, such an investment was made in 60 Charles E. Perry Elementary students who were given refurbished computers to take home.

Thanks to yet another grant from the generous folks at the Kramden Institute and the diligence and concern of the C.E. Perry/RC Alumni Association, children who likely would never have had the opportunity to have hands-on, at-home training on computers will have the unique opportunity to do so.

With technology in their hands and training from teachers at school, these students are being given a chance to shine in ways they might not have been able to were it not for the investment being made.

What is happening at Perry is the kind of community involvement activities one hopes to see in their neighborhoods and among their schools. It is something we would like to see happening at schools throughout our county and in neighboring Duplin.

While we aren’t a Charlotte-Mecklenburg or Wake County, we have concerned and compassionate people and industrial leaders who believe in giving back to their communities, and the possibilities are endless for what those investments can mean over time.

The fact that they give back in such unique and important ways shows that together we can make a difference in our children’s lives and by doing so we can make a difference in the communities in which we live.

It’s important to invest in your community in whatever way you can. And it’s important to teach that civic-mindedness to our young people.

Those who received computers at C.E. Perry will forever remember the contributions made to them by strangers with big hearts.

It will leave an indelible impression and pave the way, we hope, for these young people to return the favor when they become the leaders of our communities.

There are many reasons to give back to your community — passing down that giving spirit would have to be at the top of the list.