Aurora Area Retired Teachers Association (AARTA) members collected hats, mittens, scarves, socks and cash donations for needy kids Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Gaslite Manor banquets, 2485 Church Road in Aurora.
Dick Schindel of Aurora, AARTA president, said the collection was the annual December AARTA Supporting Kids (ASK) project. Donations will benefit a Coats for Kids drive by Aurora Communities in Schools, a nonprofit provides free after-school and Summer programs and counseling access to help Aurora students achieve in school and in life. Schindel said, “Schools have already contacted CIS for donations for their students. The needs of our communities/schools’ are great.”
The Winter-gear collection was a highlight of the second consecutive bimonthly AARTA drive-thru membership luncheon at Gaslite. The initial “Go-To” luncheon in October will feature box lunches for $20, raised $1,300 each for Marie Wilkinson and Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantries. Additionally, retired educators made 200 face masks and 96 lap blankets that were delivered to six nursing homes in Aurora and Batavia.
For more information, call 630-921-1307, E-mail dickschindel@comcast.net, or visit auroraretiredteachersassociation.org.
—Al Benson