Families of Lawrence Public Schools students will be asked starting this week to chip in to help pay for things like college scholarships, preschool and special teaching projects.

“As a former public school teacher, I understand the challenges the schools are up against with budget cuts and lack of funding,” said Cindy Self, wife of Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self. “We can all do our part — we’re just asking for something from everyone this year.”

The Lawrence Schools Foundation is kicking off its annual “Every Family Counts” fund-raising campaign. Families should receive letters mailed today from Cindy Self, campaign chairwoman, and Bill Self.

Officials hope to raise $28,000 by the campaign’s Dec. 31 end but accept donations year-round.

The foundation gave more than $17,000 in scholarships in 2003-2004 to graduating high school seniors. It spends more than half of its budget each year to fund district preschool classes.

Last year’s campaign netted nearly $26,000.

The foundation is a nonprofit organization. It was established to benefit students, professional staff members and the community.

It was started in 1983 as the Carl Knox Endowment Assn. in honor of the retiring Lawrence schools superintendent, as a way to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to educational opportunities for Lawrence students.