The Port Huron campus of Ross Medical Education Center donated 169 pairs of mittens, hats, socks and scarves during its third annual Hat and Mitten Drive. The drive has always supported the local organization Kids In Distress Services, Inc. (KIDS). The annual December drive continues to grow each year and serves as an important reminder of how important is to give back, especially during this time of year.
Not only is helping out in the community important, the entire campus community enjoys this drive in particular each year. “Collecting hats, mittens and socks during the holiday season has become a yearly tradition at Ross Port Huron,” comments Jennifer Sater, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Instructor. “As a campus, we are always trying to find ways to give back to our community. It’s awesome to see the students participate and help those in need.” The staff, students, and faculty that donate know firsthand how brutal the Michigan winters can be, and they look forward to helping keep these children warm.
The sole purpose of KIDS is to provide free clothing to underprivileged and displaced children in St. Clair County. For each child referred to the agency, a guardian will get five sets of clothes, outerwear, shoes, and other age appropriate items such as hygiene products, diapers, and baby wipes. Children who receive aid from KIDS are sent through a referral system. “This organization was founded in 2002 to help meet the needs for basic items like hats and mittens. This is a great local resource to provide immediate aid to those in need,” explains Jacquie Ebelt, Financial Aid Student Support Representative. Their impact is most certainly a powerful one, supporting foster children, children that were victims of house fires and other catastrophes, and the underprivileged children of parents who are unable to find work. In fact, they were able to help over 14,000 local children in 2010.
For more information about Kids In Distress Services, Inc., its services, or how you can be involved please visit www.kidsindistressservices.org, go to their Facebook page, or call them at (810) 326-4505.