This summer, Ross College in North Canton, Ohio participated in Stark County’s Job and Family Services’ Project KARE. Project KARE coordinates a back-to-school program for children and families in the care of Stark County Children Services. They collect and then distribute donated school supplies one of two ways:
- Hosting a back-to-school event for foster and adoptive families in early August at a fun place for the families to get together. School supplies and backpacks are then distributed to all foster and adoptive children in attendance.
- Collecting supplies for children placed with relatives or children they are working with in need of assistance. Job and Family Services workers then distribute those supplies to families while out in the field.
Project KARE is focused on ensuring that abused, neglected, and troubled children are not overlooked when it comes to things like holiday gifts, school supplies, and other things that many children and families may take for granted. Although their family or home situation may not have always been stable or safe, Project KARE wants these children to know that the Stark County community cares about them and wants to see them feel safe, loved, and successful. Their mission is “to address the needs of Stark County’s abused, neglected or dependent children and their families.”
Throughout the drive, staff, faculty, and students of Ross College in North Canton were able to collect and donate over 200 items to Project KARE. Some of the items collected included backpacks, glue, folders, notebooks, crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, rulers, pens, pencils, and many other important items. Project KARE Coordinator Michelle Neisel visited the campus to collect the supplies and thank the staff, faculty, and students for their generous contribution to their worthwhile cause.
If you are interested in learning more about this organization or how you can help, visit the Project KARE Facebook page or their website at www.starkjfs.org/children-services-division/project-Kare.