Skip to content

Clothing donations fund emergency supplies

Schools raising money through new drop box program

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 keep local students safe.

The school district emergency preparedness committee, along with the Delta Fire Fighters' Charitable Society, initiated a clothing drop box program in May 2010 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. 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 district's safety, health and emergency preparedness officer.

The district's emergency preparedness plan outlines responses for various natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and fires.

It is available online at www.deltasd.bc.ca.