On Oct. 22, a group of some 23 local students from Ava High School and Thornfield Elementary participated in this year’s National Make-A-Difference Day by taking part in a donation drive for Newborns in Need, Southwest Missouri Chapter.
The students stood outside of the Wal-Mart in Ava informing customers about the Newborns in Need program and how it helps local babies who are dealing with a medical or financial crisis. Residents were then given the chance to purchase an item from the charity’s wish list and drop it off at the door as they left the store during the five-hour event.
When the event was over, the students had collected cash/items totaling $1,214.50 for this local charity.
Jerrie Brooks, event coordinator for the project commented, “Every year I am always so impressed at how hard these students work and how they are so willing to help out this great organization.”
In addition to the generous donations received during the Wal-Mart fundraiser the Douglas County Health Department, Ava Kiwanis Club, Cross Point Church, Ava Darners and Ava United Methodist also collected additional cash/items totaling $2,918.75, bringing the total cash/items collected for the month-long event to $4133.25.
Ms. Brooks commented further, “I am always so amazed by the generosity of our community. This year it truly was neighbor helping neighbor and it was such a pleasure to see so many give so willingly. The donations received this year will make a tremendous impact in the lives of families throughout our community.”
For more information on how you or your business/community group can help Newborns in Need, Southwest Missouri Chapter please contact Jerrie Brooks at (417) 683-4174 or jerrieb@dchd.org. To drop off donations or contributions, throughout the year, please visit the Douglas County Health Department at 603 NW 12th Avenue in Ava between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (closed 12-12:30 for lunch).
