Submitted Photo Warren Elks Lodge 223 donated $2,000 to the Kids In Need Fund. Left to right: Paul Mangione, Dr. Patricia Hawley-Mead, and John Suppa.

Warren Elks Lodge 223 recently donated $2,000 to the Kids in Need (KIN) Fund, a program of the Warren County School District that provides resources for vulnerable children and families.

Presenting the donation were Paul Mangione and John Suppa, standing alongside Dr. Patricia Hawley-Mead, WCSD pupil services director. The donation will contribute to the fund’s ongoing efforts to ensure students have access to essential daily living needs and support services.

“The KIN Fund is designed to provide temporary support with a long-term goal of helping families overcome barriers that cause financial hardship,” Hawley-Mead said. “We are grateful for the Elks Lodge’s generosity, which will directly impact children in need.”

According to Hawley-Mead’s recent report, 54% of WCSD students qualify for free or reduced lunches, and one in every 79 students experiences homelessness. Since its creation in 2015, the KIN Fund has provided more than $145,000 in assistance to approximately 1,150 children, with 69% of recipients being age 14 or younger.

“Every child deserves a fair chance at success, and sometimes, that means making sure they have the basics–food, clothing, and school supplies,” said Mangione. “The Elks Lodge is proud to support the KIN Fund and the incredible work being done to uplift our community’s children.”

The fund focuses on breaking cycles of poverty by identifying root causes and offering sustainable support.

“We are not just providing short-term relief; we are working to address the underlying issues that make families struggle,” Hawley-Mead said.

In addition to discussing the KIN Fund, Hawley-Mead provided an update on the district’s PAWSitive Support Program, which brings therapy dogs into WCSD schools to help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being for students and staff.

“The presence of therapy dogs has created a more positive and welcoming school environment,” Hawley-Mead noted. “Students look forward to their visits, and staff have seen noticeable improvements in behavior and engagement.”

A recent survey of 211 students and staff found that: 78% of students and 61% of staff believe the program has improved the school climate, 72% of students and 65% of staff feel it has enhanced social and emotional services.

Teachers and staff shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the impact of the therapy dogs.

From September 2024 through January 16, 2025, the program has provided: 482 classroom visits, 784 individual student interactions, 363 group student interactions, 432 individual staff interactions, 215 group staff interactions.

The annual cost of the program is $10,587.96, with fundraising and donations covering over $11,754 so far this year.

“We are seeing a real return on investment,” Hawley-Mead said. “The program is transforming the school climate and giving kids the emotional support they need.”

The Warren Elks Lodge’s donation to the KIN Fund and the continued success of the PAWSitive Support Program reflect the community’s dedication to student well-being. For more information on how to support the Kids in Need Fund or the PAWSitive Support Program, visit the Warren County School District website.

“Every child deserves to feel supported, both emotionally and physically,” said Suppa. “It’s an honor to contribute to programs that truly make a difference.”