A big donation is helping kids in need in our community. 
The Noelle’s Gift Foundation is giving $16,000 to the Student Nutrition Program.
Foundation committee member Wilma Hunninck says it’s a great gift for families that are struggling.
“Nutritious food is becoming more expensive, and more families are experiencing food insecurity,” Hunnick says. “So if we can help provide this nutrition and help the well-being of each student when they arrive at school, if they’re hungry they can grab a snack, have breakfast, and be ready to learn.”
Jodi Mandeno is a member of the Noelle’s Gift Foundation and also a grade 1 teacher in Chatham
“I have kids that access the snack bucket basically all day if they need an extra little bit of food in order to get that energy so they can do their work and concentrate,” Mandeno says. “Noelle’s Gift’s mandate is for every child to have the opportunity to grow up great.”
Last week, the foundation handed over another $64,000 to the Lambton Kent and St Clair Catholic District School Boards for things like glasses, medicine, and clothing for students in need.
The charitable fund was established in memory of Noelle Paquette, a former Sarnia-area Kindergarten teacher who passed away in January 2013.
