Students in need from schools across the Lambton Kent District School Board are being given the gift of warmth this winter.
A Point Edward costume and accessory business, Great Pretenders, is donating $1200 worth of necessities to Noelle’s Gift Closets in Chatham-Kent and Lambton County.
The Gift Closets are located in all LKDSB elementary and high schools, stocked with everyday needs such as clothes and basic hygiene items.
“In our closets we have items ranging from spare clothing, hats and mittens, winter boots, basic hygiene items like deodorant and toothpaste, snacks, take-home meal options, spare backpacks, and the list goes on,” explains Kristin Murray, LKDSB Vice Principal, “They are a great way for students to access what they need, when they need it, and in a manner which is discreet and doesn’t single anyone out.”
Great Pretenders HR Manager Carina Best says the business has been looking for a way to give back to children in a meaningful way, and has also donated 105 costumes and 100 bags of accessories to a Winter Fun Day hosted by Noelle’s Gift last month.
“When we connected with LKDSB and had the opportunity to hear more about Noelle’s Gift and all of the ways they directly support students in so many unique ways, we knew right away this was the partnership we were looking for,” Best said.
Noelle’s Gift provided over $158,000 to both Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Boards in 2022, over $208,000 so far in 2023, and has also gifted an additional $90,000 to the Student Nutrition Program.