Woman a Hero to schoolkids in need

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Before students go back to school parents often take their kids shopping for new clothes and new school supplies, but when money is tight, buying folders, paper, and pencils can be almost impossible for some. A Lafayette woman is trying to ease that burden for parents, and give children the tools they need to go back to school.

A small room inside Garrett's Flowers and Finger Paints in Lafayette is filled with boxes of school supplies. Kathy Schmitz says she picked up a copy of the Lafayette School Corporation's Elementary Schools supply list, and started shopping.

"Everything - from the crayons, the glue the scissors, the folders, the paper - everything I can get on the list, we've done it," said Schmitz.

Schmitz said she looked for sales and clipped coupons, and bought enough paper, kleenex, and other supplies, to give at least 50 children a full desk when they start school at Glen Acres Elementary.

"We have parents working multiple jobs to try and make ends meet. We have parents that are currently unemployed. And this will really help, I know at this time, to have just an additional hand with school supplies," said Glen Acres Principal Karen Combs.

Schmitz has purchased school supplies for kids for the last two years. Cathy Bauer is a friend of Schmitz. She said she saw the difference the supplies could make, and wanted to help. Bauer and her husband bought 50 backpacks for the kids.

"Helping the kids, helping our community, and also education, and if they feel positive about going to school, I think they will stay in school and do better in school," said Bauer.

Glen Acres Elementary is not a title one school this year, which means federal funds will go to Murdock and Miller. Principal Karen Combs said that's why the need at Glen Acres is even greater this year.

"The teachers will identify those children in class, sometimes parents will mention to the teachers, and sometimes the teachers just notice that the kids don't have everything they need, so the teachers will come get supplies for those students," said Combs.

Schmitz said she wants to get more people involved with buying school supplies and fill the need these children have.

"There's just such a need, and I'm so fortunate and blessed myself, and I just hate for a child to go to school without their school supplies. I don't want them to feel any less than any other child," Schmitz said.

For those who still wish to donate, Glen Acres Principal Karen Combs says there is always a need for more supplies.

Schmitz said she will continue to look for sales and buy supplies to make the school day better for local children.