Tracii Hickman
For The New Era
Fifth in a Series
Do you remember the feeling of excitement about the first day of school? For most of us, it meant seeing friends after the summer break, and showing off a great new outfit. For 49 students in the Sweet Home School District, a $2,250 grant from the Sweet Home Community Foundation helped pay for a back-to-school clothes shopping trip to buy new school clothes the students wouldnít have had otherwise.
“For these kids, all low-income and some homeless, it’s the only new clothes they will get all year,” said project and Health Services Coordinator Joan Pappin. “Kids that have a better self-image go to school more, and little things, like having a few new clothes, help their self-image.”
“School personnel identify which kids are candidates for the program,” said Pappin. “I get a permission slip from the child’s family or caregiver, and a questionnaire identifying which clothes they need most. Almost all have basic needs like socks and underwear, and many families ask that the clothes be at least one size too big to extend their use.”
“In addition, we ask the chaperones (one adult accompanies every two children) to make sure the kids get at least one pair of jeans or long pants. The Sweet Home Kiwanis Club helps out by providing a new pair of shoes at Christmas.”
The kids represent all ages and grades in the Sweet Home School District. Elementary kids can spend up to $100, and Junior and Senior High student up $150.
“The kids are given a pad of paper, a pencil and calculator before they start so they can track their total. A lot of clothes are on sale in August, and all the kids work hard to get the most for their $100 or $150.”
Pappin coordinates many different health programs for the School District, all geared at improving student’s physical and mental health and staying in school. “I work with kids in need, and the Sweet Home Community Foundation grant shows how this community helps others in the community,” she said.
The back-to-school shopping trip grant was one of six grants distributed by the Sweet Home Community Foundation in 2003. If you are involved with a charitable or non-profit organization in Sweet Home, and have a project needing funding, your organization may be eligible for a Community Foundation grant. Applications are available at the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce and must be turned in by January 16, 2004.
For more information about the Sweet Home Community Foundation call 367-9206. For more information about the Health Services Program you may contact Joan Pappin at 367-7114.