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The Helping Foundation

What: The Helping Foundation is a collaborative effort by CISD employees to assist students in Calhoun County with various needs.

Why: Nearly all of us know of a student who experiences a need that impedes their academic and emotional growth. The Helping Foundation provides an opportunity for CISD employees or others to sponsor a student who has a special need.

How: Voluntary contributions are collected from CISD staff at the CISD Annual Kick-Off and throughout the year to develop the foundation funds. The CISD organization itself does not contribute to this fund. Donations are deposited with the CISD Finance Department, and they disburse funds for approved requests. The Helping Foundation Committee will compile and process all requests received during the year and complete a year-end report.

CISD Helping Foundation Committee: The Helping Foundation Committee reviews the requests for assistance and determines eligibility for approval. Committee members include: Toni Willis, Sherry Williams, Julia Schmitt, JoAnne Furu, and Joan Bujdos.

Foundation Criteria: Examples for assistance may include food, clothing, hygiene supplies, medical, dental or vision expenses, school supplies, etc. Expenses related to field trips, sporting events, recreation fees, and camp scholarships are not eligible for assistance. A student may receive assistance only one time per year, with a recommended $125.00 limit.

Request Form: A simple Request Form may be completed by a sponsor and submitted to the CISD Helping Foundation Committee for approval. Click here for Request Form. Parent/Guardian authorization required on Request Form.

To Submit a Request Form: Completed Request Form may e-mailed to Joan Bujdos at the Gifford/Schultz Educational Service Center: bujdosj@calhounisd.org. You may also mail your request to Joan's attention at CISD, 17111 G Drive North, Marshall, MI 49068 or fax to 269-781-8792.

2010-11 Recap:

During the 2010-2011 academic year, a total of $1,239 was awarded to 12 students and their families for items such as clothing, shoes, classroom supplies, medication, food, hygiene supplies, and equipment.