Friday's Internet Edition, March 12, 2010.
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| HCT PRODUCTION - Hamilton’s Civic Theatre’s production of “Patio/Porch,” opened last weekend and will continue this weekend on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Pictured in a scene from “Patio” are Diana Freeman, who portrays Pearl and Camille Langford who plays her sister Jewel. |
After visiting with other teachers at the school, she discovered that it was a problem in all the grades.
“For a parent to provide a backpack filled with all the necessary school supplies, it can often amount to about a $100 per child. Many of our parents cannot afford this, so the idea was born,” she said.
And that idea has transformed into a community-wide effort to provide those much needed supplies, plus provide required immunizations, dental screening, vision and hearing checks and much more, in order to have children come to school fully prepared next fall.
A group of some 20 local residents from local churches, civic groups and interested individuals recently met to discuss the need.
According to those attending, the positive response was “over-whelming,” and H.O.P.E. (Hamilton’s Organization Providing the Essentials) for Kids was formed.
The group is currently working to secure a tax-exempt status, as well as soliciting additional individuals and organizations who wish to help.
The next meeting of H.O.P.E for Kids will be held on Tuesday, April 22, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center on Main Street.
“I’m so pleased by the response to this need,” Dittrich said, “and hope that all of our students who need help will be reached.
“It will truly make a difference.”