An ‘angel,’ local church help Crider Health Center keep kids warm

Who says angels don’t exist on earth? Certainly not the staff at Crider Health Center.  An ‘angel’ has been helping them provide coats for children participating in Crider’s children’s programs and services for the past eight years.

Each year, a very generous donor delivers a check for thousands of dollars that allows the staff at Crider Health Center to purchase brand new coats for needy children in St. Charles County and surrounding areas who would otherwise be forced to brave winter without needed protection from the cold, harsh elements.

“Each and every year, the Coats for Crider program grows larger and more successful,” said Laura Heebner, president and CEO at Crider Health Center.  “Businesses from across the four-county region have partnered with us by generously providing coupons for a free kid’s meal to be tucked away into the pocket of each coat.  And this year, a local St. Charles County church donated 100 hand-knitted scarves to accompany each coat.”

Crider Health Center is actively reaching out to local establishments in the hopes that they will find more businesses who want to become involved in the Coats for Crider program by making a donation so that more coats can be purchased or by providing a coupon or gift card to be tucked inside the pocket of each coat.

“We are always thankful when members of the community and businesses help us bring a smile to the face of a child.  As one can imagine, seeing the look on a child’s face when they receive their very own coat and scarf is a heartwarming and touching moment.  However, watching their face light up when they put their hand into the pocket and discover a gift card or coupon, that is just for them, is priceless,” said Heebner.

To find out more about Crider Health Center’s Coats for Crider program or to make a donation, please contact Christina Bogusky at 332-2134.