Large, red clothing donation boxes have been popping up at Delta schools over the past year, and they do more than provide clothing for those in need. They are also helping to keep local students safe.
Beginning in May 2010, the Delta School District emergency preparedness committee, along with the Delta Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society, initiated a clothing drop box program to raise money for school emergency preparedness programs. The community is encouraged to drop off old clothes, shoes, books, and the like. These items are then gathered and sent to African communities in need. When the donations are collected from each box they are weighed and the schools receive eight cents a pound.
The program initially started with seven schools participating. Now, there are 16 schools taking part and $5,830 has been raised thus far. All of the money raised from each school’s bin, goes directly to that school’s emergency preparedness. Supplies are purchased for the schools, such as food, water, tarps, and other emergency kit materials.
“It is truly a great opportunity to be able to help those in need, while also raising money for supplies that will help ensure our schools are prepared for potential emergencies,” said Vanessa Ezaki, the Delta School District’s Safety, Health and Emergency Preparedness Officer.
The Delta School District emergency preparedness plan outlines responses for various natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and fires. The entire plan, along with additional resources, are available online on the Delta School District website.
Visit www.deltasd.bc.ca and click on DeltaPrepared located at the bottom left hand corner of the district homepage. The community is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the plan.