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According to summary data available from the Texas Education Agency, approximately 41% of the KISD student population is economically disadvantaged. The highest poverty levels in the district are at the three elementary campuses: James A. Arthur Intermediate (42%), James F. Delaney Elementary (46%) and Robert F. Patterson Elementary (51%). For some of these children, the only meals they receive during weekdays are the ones provided by the school through the federally subsidized free/reduced lunch and breakfast program.
Economically disadvantaged students need items such as school uniforms, coats, scarves, hats and gloves or mittens. The the Kennedale Rotary now works in conjunction with the Kennedale Professional Firefighter's Association's Angel Tree Project. The Angel Tree Project has traditionally provided toys and other items for citizens in need.
The Kennedale Rotary Club purchases items such as cold weather attire, blankets or throws, school uniforms and toiletry items from local merchants. The local merchants partner with the Rotary by offering discounted prices.
Once purchased, club members distribute the coats and other items to the Angel Tree Project coordinator and work with the event to greet and serve participants at the community-wide fundraising event.
Approximately 250 non-Rotarians will benefit from this project. Over 200 children will have cold-weather clothing for home and school use, as well as school uniforms. Kennedale nursing home residents are also provided blankets and toiletry items.
This project is truly a community effort. Not only does the Kennedale Rotary Club support the effort to provide the aforementioned items and community support to help meet the needs of the Angels and nursing home residents, but the Kennedale Professional Firefighter's Association plays a strong role in facilitating the Angel Tree designations and deliveries through the local schools. Other community participants include the Kennedale Chamber of Commerce and the Kennedale Independent School District, both of which provide support to this project by gathering in-kind items, raising cash donations, and supplying volunteers to assist with whatever is needed to accomplish the goal of service. This project is possible because of the collaborative effort of each of these organizations.
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