Karen’s Kids Helps MES Families in Need

Families with children at who need some assistance will have a brighter Christmas this season due to generous financial contributions in honor of former school counselor Karen Kemp.

This annual fundraising project, called Karen’s Kids, is continued this year in memory of Kemp, an MES school counselor who unexpectedly died in October 2011.

The school faculty and families raised more than $2,400 in Kemp’s name.

"Each year, Karen worked tirelessly with Joanne Cappelletti from to ensure that any family in need from our school would be provided for during this season of giving," said MES principal Jack Zamary.

The MES staff dedicated a Dress Down Friday to the fundraiser and, with Cappelletti’s guidance, identified nine local families in need of some assistance in providing a happy holiday for their children.

"Christmas was big for Karen," said Cappelletti. "Helping needy kids and families was her Christmas. Karen thrived on making sure that these families were taken care of and had hot meals, clothing, and access to medical care. She would have been very pleased seeing Middlebury Elementary School continuing her efforts."

Zamary also extended this idea to the MES community, from which the school received many generous donations.

"We’re so happy to be able to continue this project in Karen’s memory; it’s a great tribute to a wonderful person," said Zamary.