STUDENTS COLLECT ITEMS FOR METH HOME VICTIM

Kids Rescued in Raids Receive Necessities and Comfort

CONSTANTINE -- Students at Eastside and Riverside elementary schools
are softening the blow to kids removed from homes in drug raids by
packing suitcases and backpacks for them with necessity and comfort
items.

When Kristin Flynn, Eastside Elementary principal, read about ordeals
experienced by children in meth homes, she had to act. "I love
children," Flynn said, hauling box after box of donated items to the
curb for loading into the cars going to child protection offices.

"I work with children all day. I could not just sit by and do nothing
when I discovered how this terrible drug was affecting so many
children here in our area."

Flynn talked with teachers at Eastside, then contacted Linda Pettit
and Donna Mahoney of Riverside Elementary and asked for their help
collecting suitcases and backpacks filled with clothes, comfort items
and toiletries for children.

Results were incredible, Flynn said, noting students and parents were
generous.

"I had been discussing with my kids the impact on families when there
is drug abuse like meth," Pettit said. "So when Kristin approached
us, my kids were more than willing to collect things to donate. It is
a great project and hopefully we will continue with it because the
need is there."

Norm Taylor, Constantine Pubic Schools superintendent, praised
students' and teachers' efforts. Taylor said projects like these
raise awareness -- even to those innocent of drug use, possession or
distribution. "I applaud Principal Kristin Flynn, staff and students
who contributed to this project, especially on top of our usual
holiday generosity to others."

Flynn said, "We must have 30 backpacks and suitcases here, plus boxes
and bags of stuffed animals, clothes, pajamas, combs, toothbrushes
and blankets." As she spoke, Sandi Chappel of Scholastic Book Fair
came in with a donation of four cases of children's books. Flynn was
ecstatic.

A couple of first-grade students were on hand to help with the
loading. Bradley Kulhman, 7, said, "I like the blanket we packed
because it is comfy and if I lost my house, like these kids do, then
I'd like it to keep me warm." Next to Bradley was his classmate,
7-year-old Jack Keifer.

"It's very nice to bring clothes to them when they don't have their
own clothes because it might have some of that bad stuff stuck on
their clothes," Jack said, and with a sigh of empathy, he hugged a
teddy bear tightly.

Glad to accept the donated items was Jean Skalski of the Department
of Human Services and Suzanne Lind of the Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevention Council.

Skalski said as many as 10 children a month are rescued from meth
homes in the St. Joseph County. "Regrettably, the need for these
items will not diminish."

Flynn and other teachers vowed to keep collecting as long as it is
needed.