Olathe School District to donate $70,000 to Heart to Heart for hurricane relief

OLATHE – The Olathe School District will present a check for $70,000 to Heart to Heart International’s Hurricane Relief Fund at its regular board meeting tonight, Oct. 6.

Dr. Gary Morsch, president and founder of Heart to Heart, will receive the donation during the Recognitions and Awards segment of the meeting at approximately 6:45 p.m.

“This donation comprises the largest public gift to Heart to Heart’s Hurricane Relief Fund; and this year, Olathe Public Schools has given more than $116,000 for relief efforts,” Heart to Heart’s president and founder, Dr. Gary Morsch, said.

Earlier this year, district students and staff raised $46,600 for Heart to Heart’s Tsunami Relief Fund.

Students and staff raised the hurricane relief donations through coin collections, special dinners, and other fund-raising activities. Cash donations were only part of the efforts, which included collecting, organizing and delivering hundreds of personal care kits, clothing and other items.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bob Hull spearheaded the district’s hurricane relief drive. “We are honored to make this presentation to Heart to Heart,” Hull said. “The response to Hurricane Katrina district-wide over the past month has been tremendous. We have seen many student-initiated efforts blossom into a compassionate response from staff, students and patrons.”

The district’s hurricane relief drive totaled $73,651.54 to Heart to Heart and other disaster-relief organizations.