Noelle’s Gift says it has surpassed $5 million in donations

Noelle’s Gift says it has passed $5 million in donations, with $259,200 in recent funding for schools in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.

Noelle’s Gift to Children says it has passed $5 million in donations since the Sarnia-based charity was founded in 2013, marking the milestone with $259,200 in funding for the Lambton Kent District School Board and St. Clair Catholic District School Board over the past year.

The money helps school staff respond to immediate needs that can otherwise keep students from fully taking part in school. According to a joint release from Noelle’s Gift and the two boards, it supports breakfast, lunch and snack programs through the Ontario Student Nutrition Program, as well as items such as eyeglasses, dental care, lice-treatment kits, winter coats, school supplies and other necessities.

The organization also supports Noelle’s Gift Closets in nearly all schools served by the two boards. The closets are intended to give students discreet access to essentials including hygiene products, non-perishable food and clean clothing. What each closet stocks is tailored to its school community, the release said.

The charity was created in memory of Noelle Paquette, a kindergarten teacher who died in 2013. Her family and supporters built the organization around the practical help she was known to provide to children.

The $5-million mark follows a steady rise in the organization’s reported support. In January, Noelle’s Gift said it had surpassed $4.7 million in funds raised for students in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.

Gary Girardi, chief executive officer of the Lambton Kent board, said the funding helps schools “remove barriers for students in very real and practical ways.” Lisa Demers, chief executive officer of the St. Clair Catholic board, said the support reaches beyond the items provided by showing students and families that they are not alone when they need help.

Noelle’s Gift is funded by donations and fundraising. Its annual gala and Light Up the Night events are among the initiatives it uses to support students in Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.