In less than a month, the high-profile Save our Sports campaign to support public school athletic programs has raised more than half of its goal of $1.2 million — an amount cut from the state education budget because of economic hard times.

Hundreds of individuals and corporate sponsors, including this newspaper, have joined the campaign to keep the athletic programs in equipment, supplies and transportation. It's a heartening, can-do response to a difficult problem.

But it's also an example of how individuals and businesses make a difference by directly supporting educational initiatives they value. And during these tough times, such creative solutions are becoming increasingly important.

Companies that specialize in certain fields — technology, for instance — have donated time and expertise to support programs like robotics that can train students in their industries.

The Public Schools of Hawai'i Foundation, a private organization, this year provided nearly $250,000 in "Good Idea Grants" to individual teachers through its annual fundraising dinner.

And a state Department of Education project — www.helphawaiischools.com — allows individual and business donors to contribute volunteer time, goods and/or money online, directly to schools based on what they request. In three years, the program has grown from a pilot project of four schools to more than 60.

In dire fiscal climates, relying on private donations to supplement public education becomes more critical. Hawai'i's demonstration of its generosity — through SOS and other efforts — is even more encouraging, in itself and for our children's future.