Latest news with #toSchool
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kids Community Closet provides coats, hope for underserved students
ST. LOUIS – Most schools have closets for students to hang coats. But a closet to give away coats? That's another story, one that plays itself out at nearly three dozen schools in seven different districts in the St. Louis area. 'When kids are walking to school, they need coats,' Reniya Banks-Franklin, social worker for Hickey Elementary in the St. Louis Public Schools District, said. 'And if you don't have a coat on, you're not really enthusiastic about walking to school.' Banks-Franklin is talking about the students who come from underserved families who cannot afford warm winter coats for their children. It is especially challenging for students at Hickey, which primarily serves students who walk or take the bus. How much more snow is St. Louis getting? Thankfully, Hickey has a Kids Community Closet—a room that is stocked with new winter coats, hats, gloves, and other items for students in need of the essentials. 'I'm very grateful, very grateful,' parent Niesha Franklin said. Franklin's daughters both received free, brand-new coats from the Kids Community Closet. The brand new, donated coats come from the National Council for Jewish Women St. Louis, which started up the program in 2008. It is an extension of the organization's Back to School Store, a one-stop shop summer event that provides school supplies, clothing and other essentials for students in need. Kids Community Closet operates during the school year. NCJW St. Louis works with social workers and other key staff at school to determine the needs of students. Julie Hundman serves as the NCJW liaison for Hickey Elementary. She said a coat provides more than warmth for students. It helps drive attendance, motivation, and overall success. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'The attendance numbers have gone up because kids can wait for a bus outside. And they're not worried about the cold,' Hundman said. 'It's just like giving a child breakfast. Their performance improves and you can see the difference.' Banks-Franklin, the school's social worker, said the coats bring joy to students—as well as staff. 'It's so heartwarming just to see that they get to take the plastic off, rip these tags off, knowing that it's a brand-new coat. And it's theirs,' Banks-Franklin said. The NCJW Kids Community Closet also features brand new hats, gloves, toothbrushes, and other items for students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Proud to Serve: Marine veteran and First Responder receives $500 for years of service
ST. LOUIS – Each month on FOX 2, we salute local first responders, military, or veterans with our Proud to Serve award. This month, we shine the spotlight on Michael Wagner who serves his community of Chesterfield, MO as a first responder at the Monarch Fire Department. Michael is a retired Marine veteran who is not only a paramedic & firefighter, but he also trains the Chesterfield police department in hemorrhage control and active shooter protocols. Michael was nominated by his sister who tells us After graduating from high school Michael joined the Marines, was deployed many times over his career and proudly served as a combat engineer before he retired as a MSgt. After his distinguished 27-year Marine Corps career he put himself through college, the Fire Academy and the Paramedic's Academy. In 2017 he started as a first responder for Monarch Fire Department. Following a near-fatal 30-foot fall in 2020, Michael's recovery was fueled by his daughter and professional passions, revealing a larger life purpose. His expertise and perspective are invaluable, having trained the Chesterfield Police Department in hemorrhage control, assisted in training defensive tactics for first responders, and active shooter/intruder protocols for schools. Michael loves giving back, partnering with Wings of Hope to honor Folds of Honor and coordinating annual Toys for Tots programs. He actively engages in community events and fire safety initiatives such as the City of Chesterfield's Senior Sampler, Back to School events, Backstoppalooza, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Camps, and Heat up St Louis. Michael embodies the spirit of the Proud to Serve award because he is just an average man with dreams to make the world a better place, and is proof that you can do anything when you put your mind and heart to it! His extraordinary journey showcases the potential for growth, perseverance, and transformative community impact. Michael Wagner receives $500 from Brown & Brown Law Firm and FOX 2's Proud to Serve Award. If you would like to nominate a 1st responder, military or veteran, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
