Novato Community Supports Hamilton School ​Families

NOVATO, CA — More than 150 Hamilton School families recently received food, toiletries, clothing and supplies, thanks to Mentor Hamilton volunteers.

Mentor Hamilton is a mentor program that matches prospective students at the K-8 school in Novato with adults from the community. When school closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mentor Hamilton volunteers shifted from coordinating mentors and students during the school day to organizing a donation drive for Hamilton families.

Volunteers gathered and distributed food, diapers, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and more for families affected by the pandemic. Families in dire financial situations also received rent and bill assistance, according to the Novato Unified School District.

"This was all made possible thanks to the help of many volunteers, individual donors and a very generous donation by 2K, a Novato-based video game publisher," the district said in a news release.

"Many of these families have health problems, immigration problems, and family problems that were exacerbated by their loss of income and the difficulty of providing for their family when their small children were not allowed to go to school."

Mentor Hamilton was founded in February 2015 with 20 mentors, according to the organization's website. There are now more than 120 active mentorships.

Mentor Hamilton recently formed into a nonprofit called RISE Scholars, while enables donations to be tax deductible and expands the organization's mission. The nonprofit's mission is to "help every Hamilton School student realize their full potential by providing an array of thoughtful and targeted enrichment opportunities supporting personal and academic growth through the encouragement of a growth mindset, a positive attitude and achievement," the district said.

Mentor Hamilton/RISE Scholars volunteers are now focused on collecting school supplies for all students at Hamilton School. To volunteer or donate, contact michelehuff@msn.com or info@riseforthekids.org.