Gov. Davis recently announced that a quarter of the state's $35 billion budget deficit would be remedied with education funding cuts. That means not only cuts in arts and after-school programs but teacher layoffs and increased class sizes.

Some teachers will choose to leave the area or change careers. Who suffers? Our children. And we suffer, for our children are our future.

My husband and I recently attended our first PTA meeting and were informed by Campbell Union School District Superintendent Johanna VanderMolen that there would be a $300 per child drop in funding, which in Campbell amounts to a loss of about $3 million. "Solutions" to the problem include furloughs, layoffs or a parcel tax.

At the meeting I raised the possibility of donations or volunteerism. But audience members were doubtful, saying it's difficult to get parents involved. I beg to differ. I was once a passive parent who felt too busy to volunteer. But even I changed my mind when I realized we were headed toward cuts in basic education.

And whether we are in the lower or upper income bracket, we all desire that our children be adequately educated. We cannot rely only on government. We must empower ourselves.

But where do we begin? By praying and asking for guidance. Then we act. Whether that starts with writing your state representatives or whether it means attending PTA meetings, just do it.

A cut of $300 per child is $75 per quarter, which is about the cost of a cup of coffee each day.

We can make donations, and corporations can "adopt" a school district so employees and employers can make matching contributions. And when parents patronize community businesses, those stores can donate a percentage of their proceeds. We can utilize Albertson's "Community Partnership" and Safeway's "eScrip" programs. Neighborhoods can collect box top labels and drop them off at the school district office. Fundraising events may be organized. Cans may be collected and recycled for cash, with proceeds given to the school district. There are numerous options.

If a person is unable to give financially, he or she can donate supplies or volunteer time. Churches or neighborhoods can "adopt" a school by maintaining school grounds on weekends. Parents may volunteer in the classroom.

Let's not just complain about how terrible the budget cuts are; let's be doers and visionaries. If there are some in Campbell interested in helping our school districts, please contact me. As a physician, my Saratoga office number is in the Yellow Pages. I challenge parents in every district to get organized for our children's sake. We are Californians. Let us show the rest of the nation our perseverance, self-reliance and endless spirit.

Ester Kwok, M.D., is a Campbell resident with four children. Three of her children attend Blackford Elementary School, which is in the Campbell Union School District. She can be reached at 408.777.9959.