January 29, 2010
Missouri students have given generously; students across the state have joined 'Kits4Kids' effort to gather hygiene supplies to Haitian children
Gov. Nixon applauds efforts by Missouri students to assist Haiti's children, encourages more participation
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today applauded the selfless giving demonstrated by students at elementary and secondary schools in every corner of the state in efforts to assist children affected by the devastating earthquakes in Haiti.
"One of the best traits of the people of Missouri is their willingness to help others in times of crisis," Gov. Nixon said. "I'm very proud to note that students in Missouri schools across this state are responding with health and hope to students and children whose lives have been shaken by the tragic earthquake in Haiti. Missouri students, along with parents and teachers, have reached out to the people of Haiti with initiatives undertaken at schools across the state, and I applaud their giving spirit and encourage it in others."
Gov. Nixon specifically noted the 'Kits4Kids' effort, spearheaded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; the Springfield-based, non-profit Convoy of Hope; and many Missouri schools which have chosen to participate. The 'Kits4Kids' program encourages students to pack personal hygiene kits filled with a bar of antibacterial soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste , hand towel, comb and shampoo.
The kits are intended for some of the 1.1 million school-aged children in Haiti, many of whom have been displaced by the recent quake. Convoy of Hope, which has already delivered some 1.6 million meals to the people of Haiti, has committed to gathering the packets from around the state and transporting them to the children of Haiti.
"This is a perfect example of kids helping other kids and is a great humanitarian gesture by students," Gov. Nixon said. "Missouri's schools, students, parents, teachers and community volunteers, along with Convoy of Hope, are demonstrating the same generosity that Missourians have shown one another in times of adversity. I thank these young Missourians for having reached out to the youth in Haiti, and hope that their generosity will inspire other Missourians - and Americans - to lend what assistance they can to the people of Haiti."
More information on the 'Kits4Kids' program and on Convoy of Hope can be found at www.mo.gov.