ALLIANCE — University of Mount Union students recently assembled and delivered 174 Easter gifts for children through Project KARE that were created using donations from Mount Union students and employees as well as members of the community. 

Started by the University’s Regula Center for Public Service in 2021, the collection has grown to the point of the 2022 contributions nearly doubling those that were collected last year. Nest on State supported the event by publicizing the event, serving as a donation drop off location and contributing items.

“This project is important to us because it is a fun way to partner with a valued local business, create awareness about Project KARE, and gather items for children who will appreciate them,” said Abby Schroeder, director of the Regula Center. 

Project KARE is a non-profit that supports children and families served by Stark County Job & Family Services Children Services Division.

The donations were packaged in cloth bags donated by the Office of the Chaplain at Mount Union and tie-dyed by students, with members of Mount Union’s Aspiring Educators and Alpha Phi Omega student organizations contributing to the assembly.

Regula Center Student Assistants Kaylee Adkins and Jacob Buttar delivered the items to Project KARE. Learn more information about Project KARE at starkjfs.org. More information about other Regula Center community service initiatives can be found at mountunion.edu/community-service.