Area students help in Haiti aid campaign

Randolph County students recently were part of a statewide effort that sent more than 40,000 hygiene kits to Haiti.

According to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), students across Missouri took part in the “Kits 4 Kids” relief campaign for Haiti and “assembled toiletry supplies, boxed and stacked, would fill three 18-wheel trucks or three large shipping containers”.

The intense, 10-day effort was conducted in late January by the Department of Education in partnership with the Springfield-based relief organization, Convoy of Hope, and with public schools across the state.

According to the final tally by state education officials, the project involved an estimated 150,000 students in 200 schools, school districts and student clubs. Countless parents and community members joined with public school personnel to make the project a success.

“We have heard from many teachers and parents that the hygiene kits were an excellent, low-cost way for students to help those less-fortunate – whether donating supplies, assembling kits, or writing notes of encouragement,” said Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro. “It also served as an excellent opportunity for adults and students to discuss the tragedy at an age-appropriate level and to provide a way for students to experience compassion and move to action.”

“These hygiene kits will make an immeasurable difference in Haiti,” said Ronald Showers, outreach director for Convoy of Hope, in a letter of appreciation that was presented to Commissioner Nicastro and the State Board of Education.

“As our teams have been going to schools to thank students, teachers and staff, we have been amazed at the sacrifice the students have made. We have also seen the excitement in their eyes as they realize they have made an impact in the world through a simple hygiene kit.”