Premium ContentClick on Premium Content on the Featured navigation bar for information.
Project Hope keeps cold at bay for OPS students in need.
“Don't forget your coat!” the mother hollers as her child rushes off to school on a brisk morning.
It's probably a common oversight for kids in many homes.
Unfortunately, in needy households, some children have no coat to forget.
The Omaha Public School's Project Help program makes sure those children do not go unnoticed.
The program, with a funding boost from Goodfellows ($12,000 this year), provides clothing assistance to those in need. “Our assistance provides funding to help eliminate some of the obstacles our community students face to learn,” said Goodfellows Executive Director Joel Long.
Basics, such as socks and underwear, are available at nurses offices in OPS elementary schools. But children in need of more — a warm coat or proper shoes — are referred to Nadean Roach.
As the clothing coordinator for Project Help, she issues the family vouchers that can be used to purchase the necessary items at participating Target stores.
Referrals come from nurses, teachers, counselors and others at schools who have daily contact with students.
Roach has been involved with Project Help for nearly 14 years and said she has seen an increase in requests for help this year.
“Goodfellows makes all the difference,” she said. “They make it happen, and it makes a great difference.”
Contact the writer:
444-1264, kenton.krueger@owh.com
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
