Hillcrest School is seeking donations for its emergency fund, so that it can continue to assist families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The school has an emergency fund set up through its Hillcrest Community Program, and wants to continue to support families even though the school is closed to the public at this time.
“We welcome any support for our families as we shift away from being able to provide support during school hours to helping provide emergency support to families most in need,” the school said in a letter sent to businesses.
Hillcrest has had a breakfast program since 2011 that provides a daily meal to about three-quarters of its student body, and they also provide afterschool programs including a variety of events and clubs in order to expand the opportunities for students.
Last month, the school announced that it would use the funds from its breakfast program, including its allocation from the United Way Estevan, to purchase gift cards to No Frills for families in need. The breakfast program has been a United Way member agency since 2011.
The school has also maintained the emergency fund for years to help support families during the toughest of times, and they believe this may become one of them for many who may be without resources or support.
“Our emergency fund is now being used to directly support our families. Donations are being converted into grocery gift cards and distributed to families who may be without at this time,” the school wrote in the letter. “After much consideration, we believe that enabling people to make their own food choices preserves dignity in a time of great stress and anxiety.”
Sara Pippus, the school community liaison with Hillcrest, said the community has been quick to support the emergency fund.
“But we have also had donations sent to us from other communities because people have heard of what we are doing and want to be able to help in some way. We have funds coming from businesses, community members, service groups and churches,” said Pippus.
The school has received just under $10,000 in two weeks since opening their emergency fund to accept donations, including the allocation from the United Way Estevan that would have gone to the breakfast club.
“We have served about a third of our families with the total funds and still have families in need on our list,” said Pippus.
The school has a small committee who makes the decisions for who may need help and support. Committee members include school administration, the school counsellor and Pippus, in consultation with classroom teachers and support.
“We are a smaller school and tend to work together to ensure we are not missing those who might need help even when times are what they were before COVID 19. We hope to be able to reach as many families as possible. We have reached about a third of our families with support.”
Hillcrest has had an overwhelming response of gratitude and relief from families receiving support, including new families that have not received money from the emergency fund before, but are now receiving help due to circumstances beyond their control.
All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt if a mailing address is including on the envelope. Donations can be made to Hillcrest Community Program, 609 Rooks Avenue, Estevan, SK, S4A 0B4
