An 8 year old Elementary School Child from West Point/New Kent area tragically drowned in the Pamunkey River recently, and the tale has left many completely gutted. This young boy was completely well loved and cared for by parents who thought the world of him.
In his memory, current Head Start and Parent Child Development Corporation staff have started a children’s life jacket drive for families who need them. Head Start serves 8 counties, including Gloucester and Mathews. For some, it may be easy to pop into West Marine, ask a boat owning friend for hand-me-downs, or order one online when needed. As we well know, for many families, this is an impossibility (cost, access, or lack of water safety education). Anyone with used (but fair condition) child life jackets (they will all be inspected before being dispersed, so don’t worry, just bring it!) or those who want to purchase new ones for the event, would be greatly appreciated. Any size, any type.
Any family who needs jackets can attend the August 8th event, REGARDLESS OF COUNTY OF RESIDENCE. The drive’s mission is for life jackets to go to those who need them, and will use them. They are accepting jacket donations until their event, which will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 11:30am until 3:00pm in the Town of West Point at “Lovell’s Place: The Best Joint in West Point.”
Walmart in Gloucester and Ware Academy have graciously offered to be donation points in Gloucester, Monday Through Thursday until the event. If any of you have used (fair condition) jackets, or feel moved to purchase one to donate, bring to Ware Academy or any of the other drop-off points. They will make sure that they get to Parent Child Development Corporation.
Since this program (PCDC) serves 8 counties, they are looking for donation/drop-off sites in all of the counties. If you know anyone who would be interested in being a Drop-Off Site, please contact Erin Willis at PCDC (804-843-2289). If you know anyone else who would be interested, please pass this on. Especially those with well-loved, but good condition life jackets!
Gloucester Resource Council 