The Kid’s Closet Ministry provides helpful resources such as clothing, hygiene products and school supplies to children across Starke County and it takes a lot of kind, dedicated people to make this possible.
Director Linda Lewandowski recently provided presentations to both the Knox City Council and the North Judson Town Council, explaining the specifics of the program as well as highlighting the need for more volunteers.
She shared that they provide resources to children ranging in ages from newborn babies all the way up to 17-year-olds.
To provide an example of how vital the organization is to kids around the county, Lewandowski shared that when the program started out and they held the first Pack-a-Backpack event, they assisted approximately 100 kids. They now provide anywhere from 400 to 450 students with the supplies and clothing they need to go back to school.
She said the program grew and they now supply clothing, shoes, coats and even beds and bedding to children who are referred to the program by their school, the Department of Child Services or by personal requests.
Lewandowski explained that it takes a lot of work to provide this level of county-wide assistance. She said they desperately need more volunteers to help sort, launder and fold clothing as well as people willing to do the deliveries.
She added that it also takes a good deal of funding to keep things running. The Pack-a-Backpack event alone costs about $6,000 to put on. Lewandowski said she applies for grants and they get some funds from local donors and fundraisers.
A fish-fry fundraiser is planned for August 11th at the North Judson-San Pierre High school and Lewandowski said she’s currently brainstorming fundraiser ideas that could be held in Knox.
Gently used donations can be dropped off at the North Judson United Methodist Church located at 210 Central Ave in North Judson. To learn more about the program or to volunteer to help out, contact the church at 574-896-5927 and enter 4 to reach the Kid’s Closet extension.
More information from Lewandowski’s presentation will be included in this week’s Kankakee Valley Viewpoints Program, airing Sunday at noon on K993 WKVI.
