Champions for Cougars aid Charleroi students

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Charleroi students have a lot of “Cougar Champions” in their corner.

With school being held virtually for the rest of the year, district administrators have been working to ensure that students have the supplies they need at home to continue learning.

Last week, one Charleroi parent started a domino effect.

Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said Michele Vidnjvich-Zitz approached him with an $800 donation from her boss to be used for gift cards to help families who are struggling during the pandemic.

Amy Nelson, assistant principal at the high school,  began reaching out to fellow administrators and guidance counselors to identify families in need.

Gina Cotton, guidance counselor at the high school, reached out to other faculty members who wanted to participate, including the teachers’ union and school board members.  

On Tuesday, cfsbank donated $2,500 to the campaign, bringing the total to more than $15,000, which will be used to purchase Aldi gift cards to help families in the district buy food and other necessities.

“In this time of uncertainty, it is inspiring to know that people are there to help one another,” Zelich said. “One little act of kindness can inspire others to do the same. Those who donated are true champions for our Cougars and the perfect example that compassion is contagious.”

Nelson said the first round of deliveries will be dropped off to 65 families this weekend, along with personalized notes.

“Everyone is worried about our kids,” she said. “We know we have kids who struggle, but at least when we can see them, we know how they are doing. Not being able to see them has been very hard for everyone.”

The day before the Champions for Cougars campaign started, Nelson received a heart-wrenching phone call.

“I had a student call to tell me they were having a hard time getting food,” she said. “We made a delivery to their house the night before this all started.

“I have cried four times already today. Sad cries thinking of those who have this need, but also good tears because I have been shown people are so generous.”

Gift card deliveries will continue next week as more families are identified.

Nelson said the money raised already will help more than 150 families.

Zelich anticipates the final campaign to raise more than $20,000, which means more than 200 families would benefit.

As donations continue to roll in, Nelson is thankful.

“Our kids are really special and knowing that there are so many people who care about them is incredible to me,” she said. “Our kids have enough challenges learning online right now; we don’t want hunger to be another obstacle for them.

“We miss them and want to take care of them. With our community’s help, we have been able to do that. We are very blessed.”

To donate to the campaign, checks payable to Charleroi Area School District, earmarked for Champions for Cougars, can be mailed to the Charleroi Area School District, 125 Fecsen Drive, Charleroi PA, 15022.

To volunteer or for more information, e-mail Nelson at anelson@charleroisd.org.