The Ross Medical Education Center campus in Port Huron donated 125 pairs of mittens and hats during its second annual Hats and Mitten drive supporting Kids In Distress Services, Inc. (KIDS). The three week drive held annually in December continues to grow and is well supported by both staff and students.
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, outerware, 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. Community based agencies such as churches, schools, hospitals and Human Services, which are familiar with the individuals and their financial situations, send them with referrals to the store. Children helped by KIDS are often foster children, fire victims or homeless, but most frequently, they are from low-income households of parents who cannot find work.
“Donating items to KIDS is a wonderful thing to do this time of year. Being able to share with those less fortunate means so much, especially to the little ones,” said Penny Eagle, Medical Assistant student. “They are touched that a stranger would pick out something special just for them.”
The campus became aware of this local agency last year when their employee, Jacquie Ebelt, Financial Aid Student Services Representative, shared her personal involvement with KIDS and suggested the campus get involved. Jacquie has volunteered with this organization for several years and has witnessed the impact made on children in our community. “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,” explains Jacquie. Once Jacquie shared her experience with her fellow team members in Port Huron, the Hat and Mitten drive came to quickly took off.
“Donating hats and mittens to children in need during this time of year is so important because the need is so great. Coming together as a campus, giving back to the community is a great way for our students to see beyond the classroom and become good neighbors,” added Faith Kirnberger, Career Services Representative.
For more information about Kids In Distress Services, Inc., its services or how you can be involved please visit www.kidsindistressservices.org.
