Fundraiser Kicks Off School Year for 200 Kids

Nearly 200 children will receive new shoes for the upcoming school year, thanks to the Kicks 4 Hope fundraiser. Created by the Hanford Vit Plant’s Area Safety Team (AST) in partnership with the Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center (SARC), the campaign raised $8,000 to provide footwear for elementary and middle school students across Benton and Franklin counties.

Supported by donations from Vit Plant employees, members of AST purchased shoes based on size needs provided by SARC. Bechtel also contributed $2,500 to fund additional footwear needs throughout the year. The shoes were delivered to SARC for distribution to families before the start of the school year.

New shoes do more than meet a child’s basic needs. They provide the confidence they need to start the school year off on the right foot. For local families, they also provide relief by easing the financial burden of back-to-school shopping.

“When a child feels good about themselves, they typically perform better socially and academically,” said JP Boyd, AST Chair.  “We hope to be a small resource for underprivileged children.”

By partnering with SARC, the fundraiser strengthens the Vit Plant’s efforts to support families across Benton and Franklin counties and connect resources directly to those who need them most.

 “It takes a village when it comes to supporting victims of crime, and being able to provide these to our clients is not only helpful but healing,” said Rosanna Herrera, SARC’s program director of crisis and prevention. “It shows them that even a stranger supports them and thinks of them in really hard times.”

The Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center is a non-profit organization providing crisis and prevention services, as well as support and advocacy for individuals and families.

About the Vit Plant

In southeastern Washington state, Bechtel National, Inc. is designing, constructing, and commissioning the world’s largest radioactive waste treatment plant for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant, also known as the Vit Plant, will process and stabilize millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical waste currently stored at the Hanford Site.