Wildkat Resource Center strives to make difference in community
Life is hard. Sometimes there are incredibly stressful circumstances that life throws around, causing money to become tight. Imagine a parent losing their job while also having children to feed and clothe. Imagine being in that child’s position; going to school without any school supplies or clean clothes, being in the point that anything–even a toothbrush–would be helpful.
Thankfully, the Wildkat Resource Center was created for that purpose; to help those who are struggling. Tomorrow, at 9 a.m. the center will open with a food bank for the community. This event is just one of many planned to help those who need it the most.
“The Wildkat Resource Center is the home of Kat’s Closet,” District Outreach Kelly Dingman said. “Our mission is to provide Willis ISD families with assistance during times of need by partnering with our community.”
One of the center’s rooms, Kat’s Closet, provides a variety of items that are in the reach of Willis ISD families.
“Kat’s closet is a free resource for Willis ISD staff, students, and their families to obtain clothing, shoes, socks, personal hygiene items, and underwear,” Dingman said.
Through their outreach, they have been able to be of service to a number of members in the Willis community.
“Each month WRC provides about 50 hygiene kits and provides clothing for 200+ Willis ISD families,” Dingman said. “With the help of our community, WRC was able to provide 1,073 Willis ISD students with a backpack and school supplies. Last year, we were able to help over 400 families with Christmas. Everything we do at WRC is by donations and sponsorships. Without the help of our fantastic community, we would not be able to do what we do for our families.”
Doing more than just providing clothing to people in the community, they also partner with the Montgomery County Food Bank.
“WRC also has partnered with the Montgomery County Food Bank,” Dingman said. “Each month we host a food drive to help feed around 150 families.”
The school has also been involved in helping the Resource Center, offering donations to them.
“The marching band is doing a shoe drive and will be donating some to us, and we also have a local community member hosting a bike drive for Christmas.”
The center will also be having a bike drive that is hosted by several members of the local community and they offer information for people who decide they want to be a part of helping those in need.
“Each year, WRC helps fulfill hundreds of Wildkat’s Christmas Wish List. The marching band is doing a shoe drive and will be donating some to us, and we also have local community members, Mindy Woodard, Crystal Smith and Misty Williams, hosting a bike drive for WRC this Christmas. For more information on how you can help, you can contact us at 936.890.3227.”
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Emma Lowe is a senior that is involved in both the school's yearbook and newspaper. In her free time, Emma enjoys singing on stage at churches or special...
