Thursday's Internet Edition, December 04, 2008.
begins with generous gift
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| A HELPING HAND- There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Hamilton parks, particularly in spring time. But thanks to Kim Luker’s Hamilton High School FCCLA Class a lot has been accomplished in the past few weeks. Parks Directory Ryan Polster told The Herald-News that they have pitched in to help in numerous ways, including doing preparation work for the new score boards, helping to mark ball fields, cleaning restrooms, pulling weeds and purchasing paint and painting playground equipment at Horton Park. “I sincerely thank Kim and all these students for the many hours of hard work they have contributed to our park system,” said Polster. |
An anonymous donor has provided several hundred of the colored folders that are listed on the school supply list for the 2008-09 school year. These are normally purchased individually by the parents.
The donor, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed strong support for the project, and stated, “I hope that many of our local residents will give to this drive.”
The first drive is slated to end on Wednesday, May 14, at which time the HOPE committee will determine what additional items need to be collected or purchased.
“HOPE (Hamilton’s Organization Providing the Essentials) for Kids” is the result of an idea by local fifth grade teacher, Tina Dittrich.
“There were so many children who came to school without supplies simply because the parents could not afford them all,” she said. “This is an opportunity to see that no child is embarrassed or hindered in their education because of lack of supplies.”
A large group of local volunteers have joined with Dittrich in making her dream become a reality.
Local residents may participate in one of two ways: 1) A monetary donation may be made directly to “HOPE for Kids” fund at First State Bank Central Texas or delivered to Lee Healthcare, CareNet or Calvary Baptist Church; or 2) any supplies on the list may be taken to First Baptist Church, St. John Lutheran Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Lee Healthcare or CareNet by May 14.
Items that are needed for this first of two initial drives includes the following: glue sticks, Elmer’s school glue, Ziploc sandwich bags, Ziploc quart bags, Ziploc gallon bags, backpacks (solid colors, non-rolling), #2 pencils (non-mechanical), 8 count map pencils, 12 count map pencils, 8 count crayons, 8 count fat markers, highlighters (any color), 24 count crayons, Expo dry erase marker (black), Kleenex and watercolor paints.
Dittrich emphasized that these supplies vary in size and quantity due to the different grades in which they are used.
In addition, the “HOPE for Kids” committee encourages local residents who purchase supplies to buy them from local merchants.
“Our local businesses are so good to always support the schools,” Dittrich added, “and now would be a good time for us to return the favor.”
The next meeting of “HOPE for Kids” will be held on May 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lee Healthcare Conference Center and is open to anyone who is interested in being a part of this drive.
Individuals who have questions about the project are encouraged to contact Dittrich at 254-386-5650.