CONTACT:  JIM MORRIS
Director, Public Information
573-751-3469

Vol. 44, No. 9

February 3, 2010

                      

Media Advisory 

Statewide Roundup Begins Thursday

Gov. Nixon Joins “Kits 4 Kids” Collection Drive

WHAT:

Gov. Jay Nixon will help kick off the statewide collection of “Kits 4 Kids” tomorrow at Bowerman Elementary School in Springfield.  Kits 4 Kids is a Haiti relief project coordinated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Springfield-based Convoy of Hope.  The Governor, representatives from the Springfield School District and Convoy of Hope will give brief remarks at 12:15 p.m., Thursday, followed by a question-and-answer session for the media. Gov. Nixon, school officials and fifth grade students will then load boxed hygiene kits into a colorful Convoy of Hope 18-wheeler.  At 1:00 p.m., Convoy of Hope will present a 30-minute educational program for students in the school gym.

The truck will depart to continue collections across the state at the remaining Regional Development Professional Centers (RPDCs), which are affiliated with the Department of Education.

WHO:

Governor Jay Nixon
Convoy of Hope President and Founder Hal Donaldson
Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder
Bowerman Elementary School Principal Jason Steingraber
Bowerman Elementary students (5th grade “ambassadors”) and 30 additional students from all grades

WHEN:

Thursday, February 4, 2010
12:15 – 12:45 p.m. – Announcements, photos, and loading Kits 4 Kids
1:00 p.m. – Educational assembly

WHY:

“Kits 4 Kids” provided an opportunity for Missouri school children to participate in a meaningful humanitarian service.  The students at Bowerman Elementary represent the compassionate efforts of thousands of students across the state.

NOTE:

Media are invited to cover the event with a reporter, camera crew or photographer. 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jim Morris, director of public information, Missouri Department of Education, 573-751-3469

Michele Clark, assistant director of communications, Missouri Department of Education, 573-526-4297

Ron Showers, U.S. outreach director, Convoy of Hope, 417-823-8998