St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church recently donated toys, clothes and food to 90 Hot Springs School District families in need.
"Generous parishioners of St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church once again delivered wrapped toy bundles, clothes, and food boxes for HSSD families in need. During the final weeks of school before Christmas Break, families picked up all items from our Hot Springs Welcome Center," located at 702 Main St., Adriane Barnes, communications and public relations coordinator, said in an email on Wednesday.
"In all, 90 students were among those to receive bundles. Thank you to all who donated, organized, and contributed in any way to this wonderful holiday effort. We are deeply thankful for those in our Hot Springs community who help to make Christmas special for every child, especially during a year with so many challenges for everyone," she said.
The counselors at each school work directly with parishioners to identify families in need, she said.
"It is an honor to work with community partners who, like us, are dedicated to making sure that childhood memories for our students from every household are joyful, especially at Christmas," Barnes said.
"Supporting students goes far beyond what our wonderful teachers do in the classrooms. Our teachers and all Trojan staff members are so grateful to be part of an entire village that understands we are all in this together, to create a better and brighter future for all children," said Stephanie Nehus, Hot Springs School District superintendent.
"Thank you, St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church -- and many other community partners and organizations -- who provide to us with ways to support our families in need during the holiday season. Every year, the Hot Springs community opens their hearts and gives, and we are so humbled and appreciative," she said.