Ray of Hope organization collects supplies, clothing for students

LA CYGNE – Over the past few weeks, a La Cygne area non-profit organization has been collecting school supplies for students returning to the classroom. Its volunteers have been filling bags with supplies for students, mostly from Parker and La Cygne Elementary schools, whose families are finding their budgets are being stretched too far.

And even those people in the community have been generous, school supplies and clothing are still needed, said Susan Barrett, spokesperson for the Ray of Hope Community Impact Foundation.

She said the students the organization serves still need those supplies, including pencils, paper, pens and other supplies, including backpacks.

She said while most of those donations go to students in the Prairie View district, the organization also extends help to foster children who are placed anywhere in the county.

For example, if a foster child moves into any home in the county, the organization can supply him or her with a backpack full of stuff they’ll need for school. Many times case managers with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center or teachers or even parents will call and ask for help, Barrett said.

There is also a need for clothing, particularly size 5 to 12 shorts and sweatpants. She said donors who want to help need to purchase generic, basic shorts or sweatpants for the kids.

Barrett also said that the organization Christmas adoption program is coming later this fall.

Drop-off sites in La Cygne for the donations include the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) clinic, Barrett’s Automotive, the La Cygne Library or Labette Bank.