ST. PAUL, Minn. — A collaborative effort is under way to make sure St. Paul students stay warm this winter.
St. Paul Public Schools’ Project REACH is collecting coats and blankets for children and families experiencing homelessness.
With nearly 900 students in the district currently without stable housing, Project REACH Supervisor Heather Alden says the need for more donations is urgent.
“What we really need is stuff for kids because they go outside for recess every day, so we need good hats, Alden said. “We need good mittens, like recess mittens, not little mittens that get cold and wet, and then they don’t work the next day. We also need all sizes of good winter boots.”
Project REACH is a shelter and street-based program that serves children of all ages who are in temporary housing situations.
Alden says the program is always in need of baby clothing.
“A lot of these little ones aren’t in school, so they’re kind of in tow with their parents all day long, and they might be riding the bus or the train, but being able to bundle really well is helpful,” she said.