Update on progress/donation needs

Thank you for checking in with us!  In addition to donation needs, we would like to share an update on how Helping Hands is progressing.  As you know, the goal of Helping Hands is to remove the obstacle of hunger from the learning environment. Crystal City has an excellent school and an outstanding, dedicated teaching staff.  All of the tools are in place for the children in this community to learn the fundamental skills they will need in order to thrive.  A lack of adequate nutrition is a roadblock in this process that we, as a community, have decided isn't acceptable and we've done something about it together through this program.  We are already hearing about the difference it is making in the kids' ability to succeed in the classroom!  Progress reports just came out at the school, and one teacher reported that four of the five Helping Hands recipients in her classroom have seen an improvement in their grades since starting the program.  Amazing! 

This program would not succeed without you!  Each week, donations steadily flow into the office.  If we ask for a lot, it comes in-often one or two bags at a time.  Every single item we have sent home has come directly from a family or individual in this community, and every single donation counts and is making a difference!  There has never been any type of budget or dedicated funding for this program, only a community that has chosen to open their hearts and share what they have with those who are in need.

We are in pretty good shape regarding donations, however there are are some items we are beginning to run low on, and we would like to start looking towards Easter Break as well.  The kids will be out of school April 6-9, and we are asking for a couple of things we don't normally request in order to ensure they have enough for all 4 days.  Here are some of the things we need:

Next week:
Pop Tarts
Tuna
Soup

Spring break April 6-9:
5 regular size boxes of cereal
7 full size plastic peanut butter jars
14 full size plastic jelly
Raisins
Soup PACKETS
Tuna
4 boxes of Ritz crackers (we need 12 more sleeves of crackers) 
Cans of vegetables

Please take  your donations to Crystal City Elementary School.  If you would like to donate but are unable to make it to the school when they're open, we have a couple of other places you can take your donations and they will be brought to the school for you:

• Varese Hair and Nail Spa 1552 Natchez Festus, Mo 63028, right  behind Lucas Smith Dodge.  Jenn Morgan is a stylist there, and has volunteered to accept donations and bring them to the school. On a side note:  she's an excellent stylist if you're looking to freshen up your hairstyle for Spring:)
• Grace Presbyterian Church in Crystal City on the corner of Mississippi Avenue and Bailey Rd.  If you'd like to drop off your donations and pick up an awesome, inspirational message to start your week at the same time, Pastor Dewey Johnson delivers one every Sunday at 10:45 AM.  And stay tuned...Grace is hosting a Peanut Butter/Jelly drive on April 29 to help stock the shelves with these much needed items!

Thanks for EVERYTHING you do and have a wonderful week!