NEWPORT — North Country Career Center students organized a donation drive for local foster families during national SkillsUSA Week, providing essential supplies and gift cards through the Department for Children and Families (DCF).
Students in the SkillsUSA chapter coordinated letter writing campaigns and online shopping efforts to purchase diapers, socks, personal care items, and gas and grocery cards. They also made blankets for families in need.
“This is such an incredible gift for them,” said Tammy Lalime, who received the donations for DCF. “I can have these accessible for foster families and we utilize to-go bags so they have their basic needs met.”
The project was part of the organization’s Give-Back Day on February 4. Students credited Director Gwen Bailey-Rowe’s support for enabling their community service efforts.
The initiative helped students develop workplace skills including communication, decision-making, teamwork, and leadership, according to chapter members.
