EBS STAFF
Bozeman School District, the Bozeman Schools Foundation and First Presbyterian Church are collaborating to meet a growing need for winter gear for local students. Four years ago, 25 BSD7 students requested assistance in getting winter gear like coats, boots and snow pants. Last year, nearly 500 students requested help.
BSD7 and BSF want to assure kids have gear that fits and keeps them warm on cold wintery days. Laura Kuntz, executive director of BSF noted in an Oct. 1 release that the coat drive helps students focus on school.
“We want students focused on learning, not on whether they have what they need to stay warm,” Kuntz said. “Every coat and every dollar donated helps us ensure that support is in place.”
Ideally by Oct. 31, community members can drop off new coats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves or gift cards for purchasing winter attire at the front office of any BSD7 school, and cash donations can be sent to Essential Needs Fund through BSF, or by check to the foundation at PO Box 1803, Bozeman, MT 59771. Cash donations are helpful to fill sizing gaps, the release stated. The district expects coats to be distributed before Thanksgiving.
Superintendent Casey Bertram expressed gratitude for the town’s help.
“We’re fortunate to be part of a community that truly cares about its children,” Bertram stated. “This annual effort demonstrates what we can accomplish when schools, nonprofits, and local businesses come together to support our kids.”
