Dear Chester Families,

Thank you for your generous response to the Souper Bowl of Caring.  We collected 916 cans of soup for our neighbors who use the local food pantry.  It is now time to turn our attention to our "neighbors" in Haiti.

Many of you have called me or visited me to ask what we could do as a school to help families in this devastated island nation.  I, like you, have been busy researching ways to help.  I came across an organization that is collecting hygiene kits to be distributed to the Haitian people. 

In the face of natural disaster and grinding poverty, hygiene kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families.  The kits contain things that you and I take for granted, but to someone who has lost everything, these items are precious.  Each kit must contain very specific items and we are asked not to deviate from the items requested. 

I have assigned items to each grade levels so we can assemble complete kits for shipping.  Please consult the list to see if you can help.  WE WILL BE ACCEPTING ITEMS FOR THE ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY.

· Kindergarten…….One box of standard sized  band-aids

· First Grade………. One wide-tooth comb

· Second Grade…..One bar of soap (bath size in wrapper)

· Third Grade……….One toothbrush (in original packaging) Please do not include toothpaste due to expiration dates.  Toothpaste will be added to the kits right before distribution.

· Fourth Grade…….One new washcloth

· Fifth Grade………..One nail clipper in plastic packaging (for sanitary reasons)

Thank you in advance for your support.  Knowing the generosity of the people of this community, I am confident we will be able to send many hygiene kits to families in Haiti.

Sincerely,

Cindy Walsh