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Hazelwood West Holiday Service Learning Project Aids Women’s Shelter
A classroom of generosity last year has turned into a school full of blessings this year from Hazelwood West High School for Room at the Inn, a shelter for women and families in Bridgeton.
Teacher Karl Herman’s classroom adopted the shelter last year. Now the project belongs to the entire student body, who is extending the hand of generosity by making wishes come true for sheets, food/gasoline gift cards, money for the first month’s rent, and the like.
“If you buy a kid a transformer or a Build-A-Bear that’s on the wish list for a little child—you can picture his face,” Herman said as he envisioned the exchange.
Shelter Director Sister Mary Jo Kremer said anticipating the gifts are the topic of joyful conversation.
“We giggle every time we think about what is coming and how we will store it,” Kremer said. “What’s wonderful is they are filling 80 18-gallon totes, because when our clients leave the building, they need household items, cleaning supplies and those things. When 40 women leave our shelter, we will have supplies to give them to start their permanent home or permanent apartment.”
“Forty are for departing clients and 40 are for new arrivals,” Herman said.
For the next two weeks at Hazelwood West, students and teachers are donating items and raising funds to fill the totes with everything staff and shelter residents placed on their wish list.
“As always, Hazelwood West High School has such caring students and staff,” said Ingrid Clark-Jackson, principal.
“Their caring and giving spirit is contagious!”
“It’s up to the individual class on how they donate or raise funds,” Herman said.
“For example, for the shelter we spend over $4,000 a year purchasing bus tickets for clients to get to jobs and classes,” Kremer said.
“Because the holidays are so long, we did ask for movie passes so we can come out to the movies once or twice during the holidays.”
The client wish lists include some seasonal and traditional staples for families.
“The most popular items for everyone are pajamas and slippers,” she added. “Shoes are always the biggest need. We get a one-time grant from Old Newsboys for shoes and that goes quickly.”
“What we really appreciate is, because of the work the students are doing, we will have ample supplies right now,” Kremer said.
Just days before schools close for winter break, second hour classes will put together the holiday tote baskets and send them on their way for a very special delivery.
“Someone is underwriting the storage bin for two months,” Kremer said. “We are still working out the logistics on this one.”
Anyone interested in assisting Room at the Inn may call 314-209-9198 or e-mail smjok@yahoo.com.
As for Hazelwood West, they are also looking to spread a little holiday cheer to other families as well. “We are also adopting eight families with Christmas wish lists,” he said. “I will try to get a Hazelwood school bus to deliver the gifts for the families. Wouldn’t that be an awesome sight?”
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