By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Leadership Hays 2017 is asking the community’s help in a drive to fill the new Caring Kids Closet for St. Francis Community Services.

The drive seeks, coats, clothing and shoes for children 1 to 17 as well as diapers, formula, books and toys.

“Children who are removed from their homes often come only with the clothes on their backs,” Sarah Wasinger, Leadership Hays 2017 member, said. “They are lucky if they have shoes.”

Items that are gently used and clean will be accepted during the drive. The program has received a grant for its inaugural year. The program is accepting monetary donations as well, which would be used to purchase items that are not donated or will be used next year to continue the program.

Wasinger said if donors have questions about the appropriateness of an item, bring it and organizers will let them know if it can be used.

Formula will need to be unopened in order to be accepted.

In terms of toys and books, Wasinger said the group is looking for items children can call their own.

“We want something that will comfort them and allow them to relax,” she said.

Items may be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

Drop off locations include Walmart, 4301 Vine, outside the north entrance, Hays; Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine, inside center entrance, Hays; St. Francis, 3000 Broadway, parking lot, Hays.

Donations can also be dropped off at the First Care Clinic in Hays and Victoria and at the superintendent’s office at Rockwell Administration Center, 323 W. 12th, Hays during business hours if you are unable to drop off items on June 17.

All proceeds got toward stocking a closet for youth in transitional custody with St. Francis Community Services.

For more information, call Alaina Hughes at 785-620-7067.

Sponsors for the drive include Leadership Hays 2017, USD 489, Walmart, Eagle Communications, Big Creek Crossing, Nex-Tech Wireless, Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, First Care Clinic, Kiwanis and Bank of Hays.