“Kids Closet Ministry is all about kids in need in Starke County. It’s a new ministry that began in the spring that just came from an idea, and so we’re kind of working on it and seeing what we can do,” said Lewandowski.
This Saturday, the organization will hold a school supply drive at the North Judson Dollar Store, Bailey’s Discount Center, and Richard’s of Toto to collect the supplies needed for students. Lewandowski said they’re looking to collect basically any school supply item that kids might need for school.
This, Lewandowski explained, will be their first round of events, but they will continue to collect new and gently-used clothes for kids at all times. Items can be dropped off during business hours at the North Judson United Methodist Church, Route 10 Bar and Grill, MaxEffex Fitness Center in North Judson, or the Department of Children’s Services on Culver Road in Knox. Alternatively, call Lewandowski to arrange for a pickup at (574) 896-3635.
Though the program started only recently, Lewandowski said they’re hoping to expand in the near future.
“We started this in the spring and we’re hoping to have it fully running by the next school year this fall,” she said. “We’re already serving children from the Department of Children’s Services of Starke County, and hopefully by the fall we will be serving kids in our school systems and also children that are sent to us through Love INC.”
The program looks to help children in Starke County by providing them with the essentials they need for school. She said children are sent to the ministry at the recommendation of teachers or through Love INC, where children are screened and then turned over to the program for assistance.
