A local costume and accessories business has stepped up to help fill Noelle’s Gift Closets at schools across the Lambton Kent District School Board this holiday season, donating$1,200 worth of necessities. Point Edward-based Great Pretenders also donated 105 costumes and 100 bags of accessories to the annual “Winter Fun Day” hosted by Noelle’s Gift in November.
“Our business is focused around enriching the lives of children and we had been looking for a way that we could give back to local children in a meaningful way,” said Carina Best, HR manager of Great Pretenders. “When we connected with LKDSB and had the opportunity to hear more about Noelle’s Gift and all of the ways they directly support students in so many unique ways, we knew right away this was the partnership we were looking for.”
The Gift Closets are located in elementary and secondary schools across Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent and are stocked with everyday essential needs specific to their school population.
“In our closets we have items ranging from spare clothing, hats and mittens, winter boots, basic hygiene items like deodorant and toothpaste, snacks, take-home meal options, spare backpacks, and the list goes on,” said Kristin Murray, LKDSB Vice Principal. “They are a great way for students to access what they need, when they need it, and in a manner which is discreet and doesn’t single anyone out.”
Noelles Gift provided more than $158,000 to both the Lambton Kent and St. Clair Catholic District School Boards in 2022, more than $208,000 so far in 2023, and has also gifted an additional $90,000 to the Student Nutrition Program.