I am a volunteer with the North Country Mission of Hope where we have over 600 elementary and secondary school students we sponsor in Nicaragua. These students' families cannot afford the 'basics' we consider a 'must' for education. We donate one 1-subject notebook and 2 pencils for each sponsored student. In this high humidity country the covers on this notebook withstand a year's use. I prefer to purchase these - especially when they are on sale - as I know the students I sponsor will have their precious notebook throughout the year.