Holyoke Public Schools Answer Call to Help Foster Children

HOLYOKE — Answering a call to support the children in the Center for Human Development’s Caring Together residential foster-care program, the Holyoke Public Schools rallied together last month and presented CHD with nearly 100 duffel bags and backpacks filled with school supplies, personal hygiene items, games, and more.

Elizabeth Lafond, executive assistant to the chief academic officer and School Committee, said she had read an article about foster children showing up in CHD programs with all of their belongings in a black trash bag. “It was heartwrenching, and I knew we had to do something, and we did. Our staff took advantage of our pay-to-dress-down day, and all money raised went directly to purchase the bags and all the goodies inside them. We were so happy to help CHD and the young people they serve so well.”