UPTOWN — An Uptown school is seeking donations of toys, hats and gloves to help preschoolers and their families through the holidays and cold winter months.
The donation drive is being coordinated by Mary E. Courtenay Elementary School preschool teacher Naomi Bailey, and the Friends of 46th Ward Schools community group is helping the effort by getting the word out around the neighborhood.
"One of the big challenges is increasing the communication between the schools and the community," said Susan Ridihalgh, an organizer with the group. "I think community members are eager to help, but they aren't sure what the best way to help is."
She noted that a majority of the students at Courtenay's pre-school building, 4425 N. Magnolia Ave., come from low-income families, and that some of them live in one of several shelters in Uptown.
Ridihalgh said that Bailey is "collecting clothes for the parents too, because some of the parents also need really basic things.
People with items to donate can drop them off at Courtenay's Child Parent Center, 4425 N. Magnolia Ave., between 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and ask for Naomi Bailey. People who need to drop off items outside of those hours can email friends46thwardschools@gmail.com to make alternative arrangements.
